AN exciting addition to Cirencester Park was unveiled yesterday.

A cluster of guests braved the rain and ventured out to Cirencester Park in their wellies yesterday (October 19) after opening hours to view the new commemorative coronation carving for the first time.

The legacy carving - which celebrates the natural habitat and rare species found within the park - stands proudly to the right side of the path as you enter the park from Cecily Hill gates, near the Beano refreshment caravan.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester ParkThe commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester Park (Image: Camilla Foster)

This intricate carving is crowned by the head of a buck, to represent the park's history with Fallow deers.

Back in the 1700s the park was originally laid out by the first Earl Bathurst as a deer park, which is where the neighbouring secondary school Deer Park School got its name from.

The Bathurst Estate commissioned a failing cedar tree to be turned into a commemorative carving to celebrate King Charles III's coronation. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester ParkThe commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester Park (Image: Camilla Foster)

Professional tree carver Andy O'Neill, of Bristol-based Wild Wood Carving, began work on the cedar in August and used a range of chainsaws to sculpt intricate designs into the tree.

Local children from primary schools across Cirencester were invited to draw wildlife they have regularly come across in the dog walking hotspot to provide inspiration for the design.

The wildlife-themed totem encompasses a variety of animals including butterflies, bees, owls, dormice, lady birds, a Roman snail and a Goshawk.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester ParkThe commemorative coronation carving in Cirencester Park (Image: Camilla Foster)

It also attains nods to the fact that the park regularly hosts riding, polo and tennis events.

Commenting on the finished carving Lord Bathurst said: "His Majesty the King is a huge advocate for conservation and the celebration of the natural world, and we see this as a fitting way to  pay tribute to the excellent work he has carried out.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sign explaining the intricate details entwined within the carving Sign explaining the intricate details entwined within the carving (Image: Camilla Foster)

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy it for many years to come."

Lord Apsley of The Bathurst Estate said: "We are pleased to be working with local schools and involving children in the design of this legacy piece.

"Having recently become a father myself, I hope that my son and future generations will enjoy visiting the totem and learning about the array of wildlife and rare species we are fortunate to have here at Cirencester Park."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Some of the drawings by primary school pupils that inspired the design Some of the drawings by primary school pupils that inspired the design (Image: Camilla Foster)