Bespoke sculptures have landed at Oakhill Nature Reserve as part of its £300,000 upgrade.
The three new art additions have now been installed at the car park, the entrance, and within the reserve. The improvements, which are being funded by the Goole Town Deal Board and Siemens Mobility, include improved parking facilities, landscaping, information and map boards, directional signage and seating.
Phil Jones, Vice Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “Oakhill is a wonderful natural asset in our town and has been enjoyed by local people for many years. “With the development on Tom Pudding Way, it was recognised that a new car park and welcoming entrance were essential. “Siemens responded to this and this joint funding has enabled these stunning sculptures - which have been carefully created to reflect the natural environment - to become part of the landscape.” A flower totem pole greets visitors in the car park, with a dragonfly inspired gateway at the entrance of the footpath into the reserve.
In addition, a large newt, dubbed ‘Tom Pudding’ in reference to Oakhill’s location off Tom Pudding Way, now sits near. a picnic area Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy added: “Siemens’ investment, alongside the advanced funding we received from the Government, has been most welcome and will help enhance the experience for those visiting the nature reserve. It just goes to show how development, such as the rail factory, can exist alongside and improve our natural environment.” East Riding of Yorkshire Council managed the selection process for the commissioned art installations. The oak totem pole was crafted by sculptor Natasha Houseago, from The Cotswolds, with the dragonfly gateway and steel newt both created by Harrogate-based artist Ben Greenwood. Councillor Jane Evison, the authority’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Tourism, said: “There’s a lot of investment in Goole at the moment and it’s fantastic to see the stunning sculptures recently installed at Oakhill. The huge development on Tom Pudding Way will really put Goole on the map, so to see such a fantastic asset as Oakhill benefit from this funding can only be a positive thing for the residents of the town and the surrounding area.”
ABOVE: From left, Kevin Flynn, Chair of Friends of Oakhill, David Harris, Construction Project Manager for Siemens Mobility, Phil Jones, Vice Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy, and Councillor Jane Evison, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Tourism.
