Artist plans "Woodhenge" for Cambridgeshire

Derek Massey's design for "Woodhenge"

An artist is planning to create a "Stonehenge" in Cambridgeshire from ancient Fenland bog oak trees.

Artist Derek Massey, from Ramsey St Mary's, hopes his 65ft (20m) "Woodhenge" will attract its first visitors during the summer solstice.

He said it could become a tourist destination and theatre venue.

He also hopes it will help raise money towards another of his planned projects, a 60ft (18m) sculpture of Peterborough gymnast, Louis Smith.

Mr Massey initially drew up plans for the tribute to Olympic medallist Smith in 2009.

"It's taken me five years to get to the stage where I now have the land, but I don't have the funds," he said.

'Olympian challenge'

Mr Massey needs about £200,000 to build the oak and wicker sculpture of the gymnast.

He is now planning "Woodhenge" on a site in Woodwalton close to where the Smith sculpture could eventually be erected.

Derek Massey's Louis Smith sculpture would be made from oak and wicker

The structure will be made up of about 60 bog oak trees, one of the rarest forms of timber in England, which is generally found buried in farmland.

His plans include an inner and outer circle of trees with seating which could be used by audiences watching theatre productions, he said.

"About 20 million people pass this site on trains every year, and I hope when they see it, they will come and visit.

"That could help raise money and awareness of my other plans.

"It's an Olympian challenge, but I will get there," he added.