Wood carver Allen Stichler is transforming the old monkey puzzle tree at Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Sewerby Hall and Gardens has commissioned wood carver Allen Stichler to transform the wood from the monkey puzzle tree which fell in the severe weather of March, 2018 into new wood panels which are on display in the gardens at the venue.

He has completed seven panels so far, with another seven to go. He is likely to be working on site until November, weather permitting.

Allen is an artist based in North Lincolnshire who specialises in unique hand-carved wood sculptures.

Facility manager Marie Gascoigne said : “Like everybody else, we were devastated by the loss of the famous monkey puzzle tree last year, and we said at the time that we would try to use some of the timber from the tree to enhance our parkland. I am delighted that we have been able to commission Allen, who is doing a stunning job to perpetuate the memory of the tree, and at the same time to make our gardens look even more stunning.”

Allen Stichler added : “It's been a privilege and a pleasure to work on timber with such a prestigious history, ensuring that, after the tree fell victim to the high winds, it will continue to be a feature of Sewerby Hall and Gardens.

“By incorporating wildlife and quotes, I hope visitors will reflect on the words and feel uplifted, and aware of their beautiful surroundings.

“The visitors to Sewerby Hall and Gardens have been enthusiastic throughout the process and have been both supportive and interested in its development from the start; thanks to all of them and the Sewerby Hall and Gardens staff for making it all so enjoyable!”

Allen is aiming to be on site at Sewerby Hall and Gardens from Sundays to Wednesdays over the next few weeks, weather permitting, and visitors will be able to see him at work.

Monkey puzzle trees are native to Argentina and Chile and this one, along with several others, was planted at Sewerby Hall & Gardens in 1868 - forming one of the most successful plantations of such trees in the north of the UK. It is believed that it was grown, on site, by Yarburgh Lloyd-Greame, from seeds he brought back from his trip to South America in the early 1860s.

Another monkey puzzle tree has now been planted.

Admission to the gardens is free of charge seven days a week from Monday (30 September) until Friday, 27 March 2020, with the exception of the October half term holidays (26 October - 3 November) and the Weekend of Christmas (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December), when admission charges apply.

The house itself is only open at weekends during the main winter period.

Full details of all facilities at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, including the gardens, events during the winter season, the zoo, and the Clock Tower Café, together with opening times and admission prices, are at www.sewerbyhall.co.uk