July 27, 2018 1.21 pm This story is over 68 months old

Wave goodbye to armless Winston

“The remaining bears appear in relatively good health”
A wooden bear sculpture at Birchwood Nature Park has been badly damaged. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Winston the wooden bear statue usually stands happily waving at Birchwood Nature Park, but sadly he will have to ‘wave goodbye’ after the elements took their toll on his face and body.

There are three hand carved wooden bear statues, including Winston, situated at the main entrance of Birchwood Nature Park in the south west of Lincoln and they have been there more than 10 years.

However, Winston has succumbed to rot and has lost his arm and much of his face. He is “past his prime”, Said the City of Lincoln Council.

Before the rot set in. The wooden bear Sculptures at Birchwood Nature Park. Photo: The Woodland Trust

Winston the wooden bear sculpture is missing an arm. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The wooden bear’s face is also damaged. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Open Spaces Officer at City of Lincoln Council, Lee George, said: “The bears are a well-liked feature of Birchwood Nature Park.

“They have been in place for more than a decade but, unfortunately, as they are exposed to the elements, time has taken its toll on Winston, the largest of the bears.

“Many children climb and play on the bears, which hasn’t helped Winston’s plight but, as he is now past his prime, we are going to have to say goodbye to him.

“The remaining bears appear in relatively good health, considering their age, and will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future.”

Birchwood Nature Park. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The park covers an area of approximately 4.5 hectares and is one of the smaller green spaces in the city.

The winding footpaths, including the bear sculptures and also one of a dog at the corner of the summer meadow, were created by local chainsaw sculptor Mick Burns.