A willow sculpture inspired by seashells found in a medieval fish basket has been unveiled on a Sussex nature reserve this week.
The Periwinkle Shelter, created by local artists, Two Circles Design, has been installed at Earnley Viewpoint on the RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve, south of Chichester.
Made from Sussex willow it and features a cloud window silhouette of a Marsh harrier.
It also reflects the site’s Bronze and Middle Age history, as periwinkles were found in the remains of an ancient medieval fish basket by archaeologists during the creation of the Medmerry Nature Reserve.
This sculpture complements two public art pieces that were launched earlier this year to celebrate the reserve’s natural beauty and special relationship with the local community.
It was commissioned as part of Culture Spark, a creative partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.
The Culture Spark programme of activities and events received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is administered by Chichester District Council.
Councillor John Cross, the council’s culture lead, said: “The inspiration for the Periwinkle Shelter derives from archaeological excavations of the Medmerry site and tells a fascinating tale
“Evidence was discovered of several circular Bronze Age roundhouses and burial grounds — dating from 1,100 BC — on the site, along with the remains of a medieval wooden ‘kettle’ to funnel and trap fish in a weir at low tide using wickerwork fences.
“This beautiful sculpture is woven from Sussex and Somerset willow and signifies both a glance back to the past and an acknowledgement of this new incarnation for the Medmerry landscape.”
Two other art pieces were unveiled at the reserve earlier this year, as part of a creative art series to celebrate the site and its significance within the local community.
Easton Viewpoint showcases a soundscape created by Splodge Design, which captures the ‘sounds and stories’ of the reserve with a QR code that walkers can scan.
At the Breach Viewpoint, award-winning photographer Jakub Bors has designed a structure that also acts as a place for residents and visitors to rest their mobile phones so they can capture photos of The Breach.
Visitors can upload their photos from this spot onto a website to create a timelapse record of changes to the wetlands.
