There's A Fun New Sculpture Trail In This Gorgeous Yorkshire Park

Roundhay Park in Leeds, one of Europe’s largest parks, is offering an exciting new attraction this summer: a sculpture trail created by chainsaw artist Shane Green. Despite the unpredictable weather, this trail promises a great experience for visitors.

Green, known as the Yorkshire Carver, has transformed felled beech trees into stunning sculptures of herons, fish, butterflies, and more. He created a total of 16 sculptures for visitors to discover throughout the 700-acre park. This project gave the native trees a new lease of life, providing a wholesome family day out as people trek through the park to find these wooden creatures.

The trail begins at the entrance to Roundhay Park on Park Lane, guiding visitors through Ram Wood to the wildflower meadow past the castle folly. There are eight sculptures marked on the sculpture trail map, with another eight linked pieces located nearby, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the park.

Shane Green, a Leeds local from Otley, has previously represented Great Britain at international chainsaw carving competitions in America, and his intricate creations reflect his skill and experience.

In an interview with the BBC, Green expressed his pride in contributing to one of Europe’s largest parks. He said, “It’s one of the biggest parks in Europe, so I’m really proud doing it there.” He added that the lifelike and larger-than-life sculptures bring a touch of magic, particularly for children, encouraging them and adults alike to be imaginative and curious.

Green mentioned receiving direct emails from people saying his work has brought them joy, which he finds very rewarding. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, praised the wood-carved artworks, stating they “make a wonderful addition to the park.”

The sculpture trail at Roundhay Park is a must-visit this summer, offering a unique and enriching experience for all ages.