Dragon carving breathes new life into fallen tree

Scott Elson has carved a dragon sculpture in a 250-year-old lime tree that fell down at The Garden House in Yelverton

A 250-year-old lime tree which fell during a winter storm has been given a new lease of life as a fire-breathing dragon.

Chainsaw sculptor Scott Elson, from Ashburton, spent 10 days carving the intricate dragon sculpture on the grounds of the Garden House in Yelverton, Devon.

The tree was one of 10 limes planted in the mid-1700s by a local vicar in memory of his children, but it was among three blown over by Storm Eunice in 2022, the charity said.

Mr Elson, who only took up carving during lockdown, was asked to create the "challenging" sculpture after visiting the attraction.

'Real buzz'

The 250-year-old tree was one of 10 planted by a vicar as a memorial to his children

The dragon was named Ember after the attraction held a competition for children to christen it.

Ember will now feature in a picture book for children, detailing her adventures.

Nick Haworth, head gardener for the attraction, said people were "really upset" when the tree blew down.

But he said there was a "real buzz" once Mr Elson started carving the sculpture, with children coming to watch him work.

"It's great really to have an attraction for everyone," he said.

"I thought it was for kids, but grown ups love it too."

The dragon has been named Ember, after the attraction held a competition for children to christen it

Tim Price, one of the charity's trustees, said Garden House was planning a series of activities over half term, including a trail and quiz.

"Children from three to 90 are going down to see it - and they all love Ember," he said.

"I think she's going to be a real attraction for years to come."

He said the dragon's sculptor was also coming back for a special event on Father's Day.

Mr Price said: "People have been so interested in working out how Ember was created that Scott is coming back on Father's Day and is going to be putting on displays of how he carves with his chainsaws and turns pieces of wood into fantastic objects."