New sculpture unveiled at Medmerry Nature Reserve

The Periwinkle Shelter sculpture has been designed and created by local artists, Two Circles Design, and is situated at Earnley Viewpoint. Made from Sussex willow, the installation takes inspiration from the unique environment that surrounds 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.

Culture Spark is 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.

"The inspiration for the Periwinkle Shelter derives from archaeological excavations of the Medmerry site and tells a fascinating tale," says Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council. "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 (opens new window) from this spot onto a website to create a time lapse record of changes to the wetlands.

John adds: "This project is a showcase of the incredibly talented artists in our district and is a fantastic example of the range of diverse and inclusive projects that have been delivered or supported by the Culture Spark programme."

RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve is one of Europe's largest coastal realignment schemes. Its creation involved constructing a new 7km flood embankment on higher ground further inland, and transformed 183 hectares into new intertidal habitats for birds and other wildlife. People can find out more about the reserve by visiting the RSPB Medmerry Reserve website (opens new window).

Date of Release: 14 November 2024

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