A WALNUT tree in Stratford Park, Stroud has been given a new lease of life following its collapse during storms earlier this year.

The tree, which was originally home to a colony of jackdaws, and a roost site for one of the park’s owls, is now playing host to a more exotic form of wildlife thanks to a local wood carver.

Artist Dan Hunt, from Stroud, has carved crocodile heads into the tree, sculpting jaws from the splits, which occurred when the tree fell, and eyes from naturally occurring knot holes.

Dan said: “I really enjoyed doing the carvings. My own son loves to climb on the tree and I’m sure the carvings will add to the pleasure that the children get from it.”

Councillor Chris Brine, chair of the council’s Community Services Committee said: “Children have been using walnut the tree as a piece of natural play equipment since it came down, so as well as enhancing its play value, the addition of ‘art in the park’ will also boost Stratford Park’s ‘in Bloom’ and ‘Green Flag’ credentials”.