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The image shows wooden carved seed pods arranged against a backdrop of grass and a tree. The seed pods vary in size and have intricate details, rough surface pairs with the natural outdoor setting of the tree and grass. The earthy tones of the wood blend harmoniously with the green surroundings.

The Seed Pods

The Seed Pods by Ian Freemantle (2021)

Nestled in the park's wildflower meadow, The Seed Pods were created by Stony Stratford-based woodworker Ian Freemantle. The Seeds Pods along with the Snake 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 Seed Pods and the Snake are sitting on cradles made from oak.

The wildflower meadow was strewn with hay from Stonepit Field and is now home to many different species of wildflower and grass. The Seed Pods are modelled on dried seed pods collected from the Great Linford Manor Park meadow.

You can find the Seed Pods at What3Words location lengthen.orange.flap.

Learn more

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.

Stone building and ornamental lakes at Great Linford Manor Park.
Great Linford Manor Park

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.

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