Animal antics

16/11/2006

A group of quirky characters has taken up residence at Davy Down.

The characters – three foxes and a heron – are sculptures that have been designed by artist Lucy Casson to enhance the site, which is in the Mardyke Valley, Thurrock and partly owned by Essex & Suffolk Water.

They are made of recycled materials and have been installed to give visitors a sense of the wildlife that lives in the area.

Lucy, who is based in London, uses humour and observations of people, animals and environments as the inspiration for her work.

She has also designed two identical entrance signs to the 26-acre Davy Down site, which has meadows, ponds and wetland areas.

Claire Bishop from Essex & Suffolk Water said: “Davy Down is a peaceful, relaxing setting in which you can explore the countryside.The sculptures are an excellent and unique way to get people thinking about the wildlife that inhabits the site.”

Wildlife resident at the site, which is open to the public, includes water voles, kingfishers as well as colourful insects such as dragonflies, glow-worms and numerous species of butterfly.

In order to produce sculptures that fitted with the area, Lucy met with those who use and work at Davy Down.

Lucy said: "I was delighted to be asked to help enhance the Davy Down site through my art work.

"I worked closely with the people at Davy Down to ensure that I  produced relevant work that will engage the local community with the wildlife that lives in this area."

For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.