Griffin Wood in Bold
The woodland which features a superb sculpture trail
Griffin Wood in Bold
The woodland features a superb sculpture trail
Griffin Wood in Bold
The new woodland that features a superb sculpture trail
The range of golden, copper and bronze Autumnal colours in Griffin Wood
Griffin Wood is a 12-hectare woodland in Bold, situated at the bottom of Hall Lane by the M62 and adjacent to Maypole Wood and the Clockface Country Park. The woodland is managed by Mersey Forest who, along with the Friends of Griffin Wood community group, work to maintain and improve the site. Essentially Griffin Wood is comprised of two woodlands, of which one is old and the other new. The existing but overgrown mature woodland, which spreads over one hectare, has been much improved. It was acquired in May 2005 by Community Forest North West and small boardwalks have been installed to make it more accessible and many new trees have been planted.Outside of the old woodland on what had previously been farmland, wildflower seeding has taken place and a mixture of native broadleaf trees have been planted. A special attraction is a sculpture trail containing some remarkable creations that have been carved out of wood by top chainsaw artists and designed by locals.
The layout of Griffin Wood in Bold with the entrance gate off Hall Lane in the north-east and the M62 to the south
The layout of Griffin Wood in Bold with the entrance gate off Hall Lane
The layout of Griffin Wood in Bold
Another cottage, by the entrance to Griffin Wood, bears the date stone 1699. This is probably the oldest property in the Sutton and Bold district with the ravages of subsidence having seen off so many other historic buildings. The owner of the refurbished property has told me that the easterly section of the house is the original wing. The former Clock Face Colliery and Bold Colliery provide a mining heritage in the immediate vicinity of Griffin Wood.
The imposing sculptures in the mature section of Griffin Wood - the new woodland in Bold
The imposing sculptures in the mature section of Griffin Wood in Bold
Sculptures in the wood’s mature part
Work was then undertaken to prepare the ground for tree planting and the sowing of wild flower meadows. In March 2007 thousands of saplings were planted with development of the woodland expected to take several years. The intention is to encourage wildlife to the area and to complement the existing open access woodlands at Maypole and Wheatacre nearby.
There are a number of ponds spread across Griffin Wood and these have been complemented by the planting of wetland wildflower species. Imposing sculptures have been added to the mature woodland as focal points and in October 2008, a bird hide and feeding station were installed. Footpaths were also added that year and the existing track into the site has been upgraded.
'Try' - rugby ball sculpture in Griffin Wood designed by Jack Murray and created by chainsaw sculptor Andy Burgess
'Try' designed by Jack Murray and created by chainsaw sculptor Andy Burgess
'Try' rugby ball sculpture in Griffin Wood
A sculptured bench that resembles the shape of a fern leaf in Griffin Wood designed by sculptor Julian Taylor
A sculptured bench that resembles the shape of a fern leaf
A sculptured fern leaf bench
A sculpture trail was added to Griffin Wood in May 2010 with their designs created by local families. A Wood Works event was held at the Leaf Centre in Four Acre in March 2010 when the plasticine moulds were converted into works of art by professional chainsaw sculptors. The five finished creative pieces, which range from famous icons of St.Helens to local wildlife, were then installed to form the arts trail at Griffin Wood along with the existing sculptures located within the mature woodland.
Jack Murray designed a hand on a rugby ball which was recreated faithfully by chainsaw sculptor Andy Burgess. Julian Taylor produced a snail sculpture from a design by Sophie Fairhurst and her father Bryan. A bearded 'Green Man' was carved by Tim Burgess and a rabbit warren seat by a pond was created by Simon O'Rourke.
A 'Miner Bird' that blends industry and wildlife and is situated opposite Fiddlers Ferry power station was created by Nigel McQuilton from P.N. Tree Services. Griffin Wood is home to such birds as kestrels and buzzards and in this thoughtful sculpture, a bird of prey rests on a pick axe. It also makes a connection with the former collieries nearby at Bold, Clock Face and Sutton Manor.
Another stunning sculpture in Griffin Wood as part of the sculpture trail and carved by Tim Burgess
Another stunning sculpture in Griffin Wood carved by Tim Burgess
Sculpture carved by Tim Burgess
This sculpture is a tribute to the former Bold, Sutton Manor and Clock Face pits nearby - contributed by The Mersey Forest
This sculpture is a tribute to the former Bold, Sutton Manor & Clock Face pits
A tribute to former coal mines nearby
Many cyclists and dog walkers pass through the woodland. However, the Friends of Griffin Wood request that you ensure your dog doesn't damage the tree guards that protect the young trees from rabbits.
More On This Website About Griffin Wood:
Beauty: Griffin Wood Photo Album; Maypole Wood; Heritage: Bold Hall in Sutton Halls & Houses; Clock Face Colliery; Bold Colliery Part 1. Contact Details: The Mersey Forest: Tel. 01925 816217; Email
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