Mr Badgers New Home at Belfairs Woods. Healthy Life Essex

Belfairs Woods have a new addition to the family, in the form of a beautifully carved badger.

The badger was sculpted by a specialised chainsaw carver at Belfairs Park Fun Day and has given new life to an old dying Oak tree in Belfairs Woods.

The carving was created for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council by expert chainsaw carver Andrew Barton, and will form part of Southend’s Legacy for 2012.

A badger was chosen because it is a species indigenous to Belfairs and it is intended that carvings of other animals, birds or plants that live or grow there will be added in future to create a new trail for the enjoyment of park users.

Councillor Derek Jarvis, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture, says: “The loveable badger has created a new object of interest and enjoyment for all park users. We hope that with projects like this going on, people will be encouraged to venture outdoors more be it a leisurely stroll, an energetic cycle, or a tranquil trot through Belfairs Park, getting out and about in Southend’s beautiful settings is a great way to get fit and active.”