Carving celebrating Broxtowe gives fallen oak tree new purpose

After the loss of a sizeable branch a few years ago, the large Oak tree underwent a great deal of work to make it safe and to try and save it, unfortunately, to no avail. However, Broxtowe Borough Council decided to repurpose the tree, commissioning a carving to engineer the remaining trunk into a piece of art.

Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Helen Skinner, said, “Such a wonderful job has been done on the carving, reflecting Broxtowe’s heritage throughout the design - the piece adds a lovely touch to the area. It’s a fantastic way to salvage some good after the tree unfortunately died.”

The design, carved by Peter Leadbeater, takes inspiration from several aspects in the Broxtowe Borough Coat of Arms with a badger, known by the old English name ‘Brock’, sitting atop.

Honey bees, representing industry, and the rivers Trent and Erewash from are incorporated into the design, originally taken from both the Beeston and Stapleford Coat of Arms. Bears, originally from the Basford family arms and former Basford Rural District Council seal also feature in the main body of work on the trunk.

A winding wheel pays tribute to Broxtowe’s mining heritage, while Broxtowe’s parks and wildlife are referenced with birds, butterflies, and flowers throughout.

The helmet of an esquire, signifying that Broxtowe is a local authority and the circlet signifying a Borough Council form the remainder of the design, along with the word ’Broxtowe’ and the year of Broxtowe’s creation, 1974.

Located just beyond the play area, in the open parkland of Bramcote Hills Park, the carving now provides a warm welcome to the area, serving as a tribute to our Borough.

Video credit: Ian Holman