A breathtaking six-meter wooden sculpture of a leaping fox has been unveiled at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of Cornwall's premier tourist destinations near Mevagissey. The impressive artwork, named "Lowarnes" - the Cornish word for vixen - was created to celebrate the estate's rich and diverse wildlife heritage.

The sculpture represents a remarkable collaboration between renowned Cornish artists Sue and Pete Hill, working alongside designer Hal Silvester. This creative team has previously brought the gardens' famous Mud Maid, Giant's Head, and Grey Lady sculptures to life. Hal Silvester, who partnered with the Hills on the Grey Lady project, also served as lead designer for the towering Man Engine puppet that celebrated Cornwall's mining heritage several years ago.

What makes Lowarnes truly special is its material origin - the sculpture is crafted entirely from russet rhododendron wood that grew on the Heligan estate itself. The wood comes from a 150-year-old Cornish Red rhododendron tree that was tragically felled during Storm Darragh in December 2024. This ancient tree predated World War I and the "lost gardeners" - estate workers who perished in that devastating conflict, leaving the gardens to fall into ruins.

The creation process involved meticulous handwork by Heligan staff members, who hand-split approximately 600 pieces of the fallen tree to create the sculpture's distinctive sinuous texture and flowing curves. The russet wood beautifully represents the fox's fur, and as time passes, the material will naturally fade to a lighter, more silvery tone - mirroring how a vixen's coat changes color after she becomes a mother.

Rhododendrons hold particular significance at Heligan, as they are among the estate's signature plants. The gardens are home to a prestigious national collection of camellias and rhododendrons that were introduced before 1920, making the use of this specific wood deeply symbolic and meaningful to the site's botanical heritage.

Visitors can find the stunning sculpture positioned along the Georgian Ride, a peaceful and secluded area surrounded by mature trees on the pathway leading to the Lost Valley in the estate's lower reaches. The artwork becomes part of an existing sculpture trail that showcases the Hills' other masterpieces, as well as installations celebrating poetry inspired by Heligan and created by poet laureate Simon Armitage.

Laura Smit-Chesterfield, director of visitor experience and legacy at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, expressed her enthusiasm for the new addition. "We are proud to be unveiling Lowarnes at Heligan. She is a glorious celebration of Heligan's wildlife and testament to the imagination, artistry and skill of Sue, Pete and Hal," she stated. "This piece is a statement of intent for Heligan: the ambition of the work is clear and she is emblematic of our excitement for the future."

Smit-Chesterfield emphasized the sculpture's deep connection to the estate, noting, "From the inspiration to the materials, Lowarnes is quintessentially Heligan and a fitting addition to the existing artworks in our gardens. We are sure she will become as beloved and recognizable as the Mud Maid and will cement herself as a Heligan icon."

The artistic team brings impressive credentials to this project. Sue Hill is a multifaceted visual artist, performer, curator, and theater-maker who played a key role in prominent Cornish theater companies Wildworks and Kneehigh. Her brother Pete Hill combines his talents as a visual artist, maker, rower, rigger, and glaciologist, and was also instrumental in Kneehigh's success. Together, Sue and Pete have created and contributed to numerous artworks throughout the UK and internationally.

Hal Silvester brings his expertise as a designer and maker specializing in 3D arts and theater. His impressive resume includes serving as head of masks and puppets for Disney's acclaimed London production of The Lion King, demonstrating his mastery in creating large-scale, impactful artistic installations.

The unveiling of Lowarnes represents more than just the addition of another sculpture to the gardens - it symbolizes the estate's commitment to celebrating its natural heritage while showcasing world-class artistic talent. The fox sculpture stands as a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when local materials, environmental stewardship, and artistic vision combine to create something truly extraordinary for visitors to discover and enjoy.