New benchmark for Higham Ferrers ancient 'Three Oaks' as tree gets lease of life in park

Mayor Councillor Tina Reavey lifts the covers off one bench watched by Dave Marlow from Highways England; Carrie Yuen, Phil Keane, Group Operations Manager (East) for contractor Carnells, local resident Justina Bryan and Jeremy Willis, Construction Manager for contractor Ground Control.

An old oak tree that stood by the side of a Higham Ferrers road and had to be felled has been transformed into a set of benches for a town park.

A campaign to preserve the ancient Three Oaks tree, in Station Road, was started by resident Justina Bryan but after extensive surveys the tree was chopped down.Now three benches, decorated with woodland creatures carved by Carrie Yuen from the tree's remains, have been unveiled by mayor of Higham Ferrers Tina Reavey.

Cllr Reavey said: “I am truly honoured to be unveiling these benches that have been so skilfully carved by Carrie to depict the wildlife in and around the environment of the Three Oaks tree. It was a shame the much-loved tree had to be removed but the use of the wood to create the benches is a fitting tribute.

“On behalf of Higham Ferrers Town Council I cannot thank enough all of those involved in the project to bring the Three Oaks back to life and to the Castle Fields - Ground Control, Highways England, Carnell and local resident, Justina Bryan who was instrumental in the campaign.

"I encourage you to come and view the true beauty and artwork of the benches for yourselves. I have no doubt you will be as thrilled and impressed with them as I am.”

The oak tree had to be taken down for safety reasons as part of a £24m improvement scheme at the A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout between Higham Ferrers and Irthlingborough which will tackle congestion.

When all efforts to save the tree – known as Three Oaks – proved fruitless, the project team recruited woodcarver Carrie Yuen who has transformed the three trunks into unique artworks.

The benches were officially handed over to Cllr Tina Reavey at Castle Fields, Higham Ferrers, where they will complement a timber trim trail being created by the town council.

Highways England construction assurance manager Dave Marlow said: “It is fantastic to see these wonderful artworks in place for all to enjoy. Carrie has done some incredible work in creating the benches and I’m sure they will be admired by local people for many generations to come.

“We were very disappointed that we could not retain the Three Oaks despite all of our efforts so we are delighted to have been able to play our part in ensuring its unique legacy continues.

“Thanks to the town council for helping us find the perfect home for the artworks and giving the tree a second life.”

Wood carver Carrie Yuen with some of the creatures she carved into this bench

The benches are on three themes. One has animals that lived around the tree such as the fox, badger, rabbit, squirrel, owl, mole and mouse. A second bench features creatures that fly around the branches such as butterflies, moth, dragonfly and bat. A third bench depicts the bugs of the oak habitat such as the caterpillar, spider, beetle, ladybird, worm and millipede.

As well as the benches, some of the smaller pieces of wood are being used to create carved owls and mushrooms which will help raise money for the mayor’s charities. Some of the branches have also been donated to Stanwick Lakes to create some natural habitat for the wildlife there.

Contractor Ground Control, appointed by Highways England to carry out environmental and landscaping works for the Chowns Mill scheme, have met the costs of transportation, woodcarving and delivery of the benches.

The work at Chowns Mill would have left the tree unstable and at risk of falling down. The junction is being redesigned as a half hamburger layout with a new link road connecting the A6 south and A5028 with the existing roundabout. All approaches are being widened to provide extra lanes and capacity

Highways England Construction Assurance Manager Dave Marlow tries out one of the three benches which have been created for the local community

Highways England is looking to plant up to 1,500 trees and to create wildflower meadow areas as part of the improvements scheme.

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.