Castle Hill Country Park artwork 'brought back to life'

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council have had artwork restored at the Castle Hill Country Park after weather damage.

It was noted that public artwork installed as part of the Castle Hill Country Park Art Trail had not withstood the Wiltshire weather.

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council began to look at ways to restore the artworks.

Mindful of the community involvement and personal stories that went into creating the artwork, Laverstock & Ford Parish Council approached the Public Art Officer at Wiltshire Council, and through a generous funding grant, Wiltshire Council enabled them to go back to the artist Kerry Lemon,  and discuss preserving the artworks more durably, enhancing the visual reminder of that vital relationship between people and nature.

The Parish Council’s original mission, in turning agricultural land into public open space, was about preserving the landscape and the health and integrity of the active, living communities that surrounded it, both human and animal. 

It is a breeding ground for the Red-listed Skylark, and the chalk soils allow for a range of less common plant species, set against views of Salisbury Cathedral, Laverstock Downs, Old Sarum Hillfort and the historically significant grass-strip Airfield.

The balance in achieving this was a challenging prospect, and the art pillar trail reflected that new ambition to provide a nature corridor across a suburban edge of Salisbury City, offering enjoyment and recreation for all.

Castle Hill Country Park is managed by the Land Trust, which is just producing their next-phase development plan.

They already offer a range of initiatives for people to enjoy nature more fully at Castle Hill, which has rapidly become an important resource for people across South Wiltshire.

A HUQ survey showed footfall had risen from 25,000 in 2019 to 4,111,000 in 2024, demonstrating Castle Hill’s popularity and frequent use.

The Art Pillars have now been wrapped in corten steel cages forged by Black Forge Arts in Kent and feature flora and fauna found around the hill using Kerry Lemon's original designs.

You will discover poppy, hare, chalk milkwort, horseshoe vetch, skylark and pyramidal orchid in the designs which, as they age, will patinate and become a more integral part of the landscape.

Artist Kerry Lemon says, "I am delighted to see these artworks brought back to life through the exceptional craftsmanship of Rod and his team at Black Forge Art. I hope they bring enjoyment to residents and visitors for many years to come."