Chainsaw artist carves new sculpture trail in park

Sixteen new sculptures have been created in Roundhay Park

A chainsaw sculptor has created a new art trail based on the wildlife found in one of Europe's largest parks.

Shane Green has fashioned herons, fish, butterflies and more from felled beech trees in Roundhay Park, Leeds.

Known as the Yorkshire Carver, Mr Green made a total of 16 sculptures for the trail in the Leeds park.

He said he had put "a lot of love" into the creations, which he completed in his spare time over an eight-week period.

The sculptures took eight weeks to complete

The project has been a labour of love, the 58-year-old, from Otley said.

"I'm quite proud of what I have produced," said Mr Green, who has previously represented Great Britain at international chainsaw carving competitions in America.

"It's one of the biggest parks in Europe, so I'm really proud doing it there."

Mr Green was able to give the trees, which were native to the 700-acre park, a new lease of life after they had died.

The sculptures are life-sized or bigger, he added, "giving them a bit of magic" for children.

"It makes adults and children enquire and be imaginative," he said.

"I have had four or five people email me directly and say 'you have brought joy to us'. It's really nice."

Mr Green also teaches art at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley

The sculpture trail starts at the entrance to Roundhay Park on Park Lane and leads through Ram Wood to the wildflower meadow past the castle folly.

There are eight sculptures to spot on a sculpture trail map, with another eight linked pieces located nearby.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the wood-carved artworks "make a wonderful addition to the park".

The sculptures are life-sized