A massive winter storm that struck Cornwall has unexpectedly given birth to an extraordinary piece of art at one of the region's most beloved attractions. The Lost Gardens of Heligan has unveiled "Lowarnes" – the Cornish word for vixen – a stunning 19.7-foot sculpture of a pouncing fox carved from the wood of a 150-year-old Cornish Red rhododendron tree that was toppled during the storm.

The ambitious artistic project was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of renowned Cornish sibling artists Sue and Pete Hill, working alongside Hal Silvester. The creation process was particularly labor-intensive, requiring Heligan staff members to hand-split an impressive 600 individual pieces of wood under the artists' careful direction to create the intricate texture of the fox's fur. This meticulous attention to detail has resulted in a sculpture that captures both the grace and power of a fox mid-pounce.

The tree that provided the raw material for this remarkable sculpture had witnessed more than a century of history, predating World War One by several decades. According to garden officials, the rhododendron had stood for approximately 150 years before the winter storm claimed it. Rather than simply disposing of the fallen giant, the gardens saw an opportunity to give it new life as a celebration of the wildlife that calls Heligan home.

Laura Smit-Chesterfield, who serves as the director of visitor experience at the gardens, described the sculpture enthusiastically as "a glorious celebration of Heligan's wildlife." The artwork represents more than just creative recycling – it embodies the gardens' commitment to honoring and showcasing the natural inhabitants of their grounds. The fox sculpture stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability that characterizes both wildlife and the human response to unexpected challenges.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the sculpture is how it will continue to evolve over time. As the wood naturally ages and weathers, officials explain that the sculpture's coloring will gradually fade to lighter, more silvery tones. This natural transformation mirrors what happens to actual vixens' fur after they become mothers, adding an extra layer of authenticity and symbolism to the artwork that will develop over the years.

The sculpture's creation was inspired by a photograph of a pouncing fox captured on the Heligan estate by photographer Andy Wilson. Sue Hill explained that this image served as the artists' "core inspiration" for the project. She noted that "Lowarnes has her gaze set on you as her prey," emphasizing the predatory intensity captured in the wooden sculpture's pose and expression.

Complementing the visual artwork is a specially commissioned collection of Heligan-inspired poetry from Simon Armitage, Britain's current poet laureate. Both the sculpture and the poetry work together to highlight and celebrate the diverse wildlife that has made Heligan their home. Hill particularly praised Armitage's poem titled "Den," saying it "speaks so powerfully of the wild, feral nature of foxes," creating a literary companion that enhances visitors' appreciation of both the artwork and the living creatures it represents.

The unveiling of Lowarnes represents a unique approach to environmental stewardship and artistic expression, demonstrating how natural disasters can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities for creativity and community engagement. The sculpture now stands as a permanent reminder of nature's power, human ingenuity, and the enduring connection between art and the natural world at this historic Cornish garden destination.