Members of the local community and children from St. Mary’s Primary School Altinure, with of the new sculptures created in Learmount Forest as part of a new Sculpture Trial. Included are Annie Mullen, Derry City Council, the Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, Jim McColgan, chairperson of ARK North West and Caroline Lynch Learmount Community Centre Manager. Photos: Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.
An impressive new Sculpture Trail has opened at Learmount Forest in Park in Co Derry.
The trail which boasts four timber sculptures by Derry artist Kieran O’Doherty was put in place by Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership with funding from “Culture for All” Big Lottery Fund and Derry City Council.
Kieran O’Doherty with one of his creations on Sculpture Trial. Photo: Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.
Caroline Lynch from Learmount Community Development Group facilitated workshops for children to put their ideas for the pieces to the sculptor.
She said: “Much of the wildlife in the pieces come from what the children identify with and the entrance piece is open to interpretation but we like to think of it as the Spirit of the Forest’.
Jim McColgan, chairperson of RAPID Ltd, encouraged people from outside the area to visit the trail, which was launched by the Mayor of Derry Cllr Brenda Stevenson.
Jim added: “Access into Learmount Forest was recently improved by Derry City Council with entrance, path improvements and interpretation panels as well as a newly expanded playground.
“Now with the added attraction of the sculpture trail this should be top of the list for places to visit for families from both the rural and city areas.”
Learmount Forest can be accessed from Park village at Learmount Community Centre.
It is a Forest Service property with a path network managed by Derry City Council.
