Elephants taking over Ryton Pools

Elephants taking over Ryton Pools

Credit Lucy Hawker

Adult and calf straight-tusked elephant sculptures have been installed at Ryton Pools Country Park as part of our Dunsmore Living Landscape scheme

Funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund the Dunsmore Living Landscape scheme aims to restore the most significant area of ancient woodland in Warwickshire, increase landscape connectivity through the restoration of hedgerows, grasslands, ponds and heritage sites and engage local communities in a programme of natural  and heritage-related activities.

These metal sculptures were created and installed to help bring to life the geological history of the Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme area at Ryton Pools, where pieces of neck bone, tooth and tusk of the Straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus, were all found in the local sand quarries. The sculptures were a collaboration between Spencer Jenkins, a green wood and metalwork artist (designer, and project manager), and Artfabs Ltd, a specialist fabrication contractor who will assist with larger construction challenges.

These creatures would have roamed the area around half a million years ago. The life size sculptures will bring to life the ancient history of the park and reflect important palaeontological finds made on the site during quarrying.

We're hosting a launch event where the elephants will be named on Saturday 19th October at Ryton Pools. Families are welcome to come along and join in ice age themed children's activities. Join us between 11am - 2.30pm, the names will be announced at noon!