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Thank you to Claire Hector for writing this article, and for Sally Perry for publishing on Claire's behalf.
An important element of the Isle of Wight's Biosphere Reserve Status is to ensure that nature is protected and sustained, and what better way to do this than with creativity.
A striking new sculpture featuring a pair of welded metal trees has just been unveiled at Sandown Bay, forming part of a growing public art trail around the rewilding edges of Brown's Golf Course.
Commissioned by The Common Space, Island artist Dave Badman created the sculpture to act as an entrance feature at the course's edge, guiding visitors through a natural arch in the willows and into the wetland beyond.
© Ian Boyd, The Common Space
Inspired by local stories and nature
Dave crafted the metal trees using 200 metres of steel bars, known as ‘rebar,’ drawing inspiration from the Sandown Story Quest book, Shrewbert and Iris, A Tale of Two Tails, and its vibrant illustrations by fellow artist, Lucia Para.
© Lucia Para
This is Dave’s second sculpture for the area, funded by The Common Space, a not-for-profit organisation based in Sandown. Reflecting on his work, Dave shared,
“My first commission, Encasement, Oak, was to make something new and interesting from a lost oak, something people would find by surprise as they walk the trail here.”
He explained how his earlier work features an oak trunk encased in rebar with stainless steel leaves, designed to support hover flies laying eggs. As the trunk decomposes, it remains upright, creating additional deadwood habitat for woodland wildlife.
© Natalie Silvester & Spence Willard
The Willow Walk: A nature and sculpture trail
The metal trees are positioned along the Willow Walk, a nature and sculpture trail that is one of many local projects initiated by The Common Space.
Supported by volunteers and various organisations, the trail features a circular path through willows, passing by the Brown’s Powerhouse and reedbeds at the edge of Sandown Levels.
Initially established in 2013 with assistance from the Probation Service, the Willow Walk is now maintained voluntarily by The Common Space. This trail is part of the public estate and has become a local landmark, frequently hosting free events like Discovery Bay and Hullabaloo.
© Nigel George, Artecology
A perfect fit for Sandown’s unique landscape
Ian Boyd of The Common Space expressed his enthusiasm for Dave Badman’s latest creation. He commented,
“Dave’s fantastic new sculptures are on a former section of the course. Over the years, we have maintained a series of small works such as these, along with planting coastal wildflowers and the Iris Gardens, events, and even the Story Trails.”
Ian explained that these artistic and environmental efforts align with their broader vision, known as the Iris Manifesto, which aims to highlight the distinctiveness of this part of the Bay. He said,
“The aim has always been to make spaces more diverse and interesting for residents, visitors, and wildlife."
© Claire Hector, The Common Space
More art to come
Ian also hinted at future plans,
“When time and funds allow, we’ll add more sculptures along the way. It’s great also to be contributing to the Bay Area Action Plan.”
You can find the earlier sculpture, Encasement, Oak, hidden within the Willow Walk starting at the corner of Dinosaur Isle car park. The newly installed metal trees are located at the edge of Brown's Golf Course, easily accessible by following the wild paths that border the rewilding project.
