New nature-inspired 'Tree of life' art piece unveiled in Wichelstowe

After months in the making, a new nature-themed art installation that was designed to celebrates all forms of life within the development, has been unveiled at Wichelstowe.

The Tree of Life sculpture is 5.6m tall and 4.4m wide and is situated at the centre of the new roundabout on Mill Lane, forming a landmark gateway into Wichelstowe.

The artwork by artist, sculptor and designer Sebastien Boyesen, is formed out of two different types of metal with stainless steel flora and fauna on top of a steel base.

The designed panels for the globe shape have been laser-cut and connected with rods in varying lengths attached to the surface of the structure to create a three-dimensional effect.

The flora and fauna are said to represent plants and animals that are indigenous to Wiltshire and, more specifically, commonly seen throughout the Wichelstowe development, such as water voles, bees, dragonflies, forget-me-nots, hawthorn and dog roses. 

The heron - voted on social media as Wichelstowe’s favourite wildlife - takes pride of place.

The artwork will also be an eye-catching feature at night, with its internal lighting that creates a glow within the globe once the sun goes down.

The trunk and main tree structure were lifted into place last week. Whilst the individual components have been produced in the workshop, Sebastien and his team have worked on-site at Wichelstowe over the past few days to attach the individual pieces and form the tree’s branches.

This is not the first local art installation Sebastien has delivered, having previously been tasked to design the footbridge over the Wilts and Berks Canal in the Wichelstowe District Centre. 

He said: “After numerous hard yet enjoyable hours in the workshop, it’s such a thrill to finally see this stunning sculpture finally take pride of place at Wichelstowe. I feel honoured to have been tasked and trusted with yet another piece of milestone artwork in the region. I hope the local community take it to their hearts, as I have.”

Emma Leake, Wichelstowe development coordinator, said the artwork is a welcome addition to the area.

She added: “Wichelstowe is more than housing – it’s the creation of a brand new community and Tree of Life symbolises the putting down of roots, new beginnings and growth.

“Trees are one of the defining elements of the Wichelstowe development with hundreds of street trees already in place, as well as thousands of smaller trees planted within the wider green space areas. 

“We have greatly enjoyed the process of developing Tree of Life with Sebastien and it is fantastic to see it in place on the roundabout.”

Sebastien has worked with councils, architects and developers since 1984 to create unique, site-specific artworks that are integrated into the local environment. His other artworks include The Guardian in South Wales, and he is currently working on a statute of Cranogwen as part of the Monumental Welsh Women project.

Tree of Life has been funded by Wichelstowe LLP and forms part of a range of artworks within the site that aim to celebrate Wichelstowe’s rich flora and fauna.

One of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country, the Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and will deliver?3,000 new homes over the next 20 years,?along with?new schools and community facilities.

The?250-hectare?site?on the?southern?edge of?Swindon will include?extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches?and?allotments.?? 

As part of this neighbourhood, residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wiltshire and Berkshire canal.

There is also a range of schools for children of all ages within near reach. Junction 16 of the M4 and Swindon train station are both within a ten-minute drive, providing easy access to Bristol and London.

Show homes at David Wilson Homes Orchards Rise development have recently opened.