The Snake
The Snake by Ian Freemantle (2021)
Coiled at the edge of the canal, The Snake was created by Stony Stratford-based woodworker Ian Freemantle. The Snake along with the Seed Pods were some of the outputs from Ian's 'One Tree Project' in 2021. The timber for the sculptures came from the Stockgrove Redwood (a Sequioiadendron giganteum), which was the central tree on an avenue of 12 specimens which were planted 100 years ago at Stockgrove Park House at what is now Rushmere Country Park. It sadly died around its 100th birthday, having reached a height of over 100 feet. It was expertly dismantled by a skilled arborist and has since been made into a variety of different sculptures. The wood will change colour from its striking red to a soft silver-grey. It is a great choice for outdoor sculptures as it is durable whilst being light in weight. The Snake and the Seed Pods are sitting on cradles made from oak.
The Snake was co-designed with local schoolchildren in a workshop as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project.
You can find the Snake at What3Words location underway.sweetened.random.
Listen to the artist Ian Freemantle talk about the wooden sculptures he created as part of our project to Restore, Reveal and Revive Great Linford Manor Park.
Discover the public art in the historic Great Linford Manor Park in Milton Keynes.
This scenic park also boasts an Alphabet Trail, ornamental ponds, a play area and historic features which have been restored thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Visit the Great Linford Manor Park webpage for more details on how to get to the park, free car parks, facilities and accessibility.