Tree-mendous new sculpture on Alderley Road

A wooden carving of a buzzard has been created in the town centre by talented local artist Ed Pilkington.

The father of four spent about ten hours on Sunday, 8th March, carving the sculpture from a tree stump on Alderley Road, using a chainsaw.

Ed, from Alderley Edge, approached Cllr Rod Menlove and Helen Yates of Wilmslow in Bloom about carving the sycamore stump into a buzzard with celtic knotting carved below.

He said "I decided to do a buzzard because there are so many in the area, they have increased in numbers massively, and I chose celtic knotting because of the celtic history around here with Lindow Man and the celtic cross at the next roundabout."

Ed carved the sculpture voluntarily, starting at 7.30am so he could pull out as many nails as possible before the scaffolding was erected, and spent several hours working in the pouring rain.

Cllr Rod Menlove commented "We were advised that the tree had to be felled but I was pleased to ensure that 10ft was retained for this sculpture that will be a feature of interest in Wilmslow."

Ed, who is a Ranger at Cheshire East Council, has been carving since 1999 and has created up to a thousand different sculptures since then - including a squirrel at Alderley Edge Community Primary School, the hares at Hare Hill and most recently a horse in Alderley Edge Park.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

DELETED ACCOUNT
Monday 9th March 2015 at 6:55 pm
Saw this today approaching from Alderley direction - it looks wonderful.
Sally Hoare
Monday 9th March 2015 at 7:39 pm
Noticed this passing from town. Brightened my day, thankyou Ed.
Nick Jones
Monday 9th March 2015 at 9:58 pm
Ed..Well done ! Very enjoyable........ It should be done to all established trees that unfortunately need to be felled....
John Jennings
Thursday 12th March 2015 at 4:44 pm
I think this sculpture is totally out of place in its current position.Would be better suited to a wooded area like Lindow Common or The Edge.
I also feel that the actual sculpture is quite ugly and out of proportion.
Terry Roeves
Thursday 12th March 2015 at 6:07 pm
Excellent job Mr Pilkington. Now if Sainsburys could clean up their mural......
I recall it when the A34 was only main road in and out of Manchester. It looked splendid and still will with a freshen up. Simple jet wash or steam clean perhaps. Wilmslow Clean Team might enjoy this one or WTC might be able to help this along.
Nick Jones
Thursday 12th March 2015 at 6:35 pm
I dont think that Anthony Gormley would have volunteered his services / ability/time / Goodwill gratis.... to the benefit of Wilmslow residents...Ed Pilkington's kindly donated all these and more... to bring a spark of enjoyment from the unfortunate loss of a well established tree.... I think we would all prefer nature at its best ... .including Ed........ OK its no 'Angel of the North' .... and thankfully not a collapsing 'B of the Bang' (no bad thing !)... but it is in Wilmslow T/C for our mutual enjoyment, so although not in a wooded area.. Its light hearted community art to be enjoyed by most. When cycling round our nearby rural lanes there are some fabulous similar examples of Owls, Horses, Squirrells, Hares, Fish,etc..... It just raises a smile from the loss a tree that has probably been around here a lot longer than the rest of us. Its location ( by default) compliments Judith Blucks magnificent adjacent sculpture 'the legend of the Iron Gates' .... ( which is ignored by many as Terry alludes to above ) and it provides a good example / option to do the same again..... ( even for pay !) should any further established trees need to be felled. There are plenty of local 'themes' that could be used to do the same again.. So well done to all involved
Steve 'Buck' Taylor
Saturday 14th March 2015 at 3:44 pm
I have just driven into Sainsbury and saw the sculpture well done Ed an excellent subject choice, this is a good way of utilising tree stumps very much appreciated.