A DISEASED beech tree in Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds has been repurposed by Cirencester Town Council.

The tree, which the council was required to fell early this year, has been turned into a natural play feature carved with three animals of local significance – the hare, the phoenix and the Cotswold Lion sheep.

The carvings were brought to life by wood artist Andy O'Neil.

Cirencester Town Council chose to turn the tree into a play feature to honour its legacy and link young people with their local heritage.

This project was picked for funding by a youth panel from the Cotswolds National Landscape’s Caring for the Cotswolds grant.

The three animals were selected to highlight and celebrate their historical importance to Cirencester.

The phoenix, a symbol of the town, features on Cirencester Town Council's crest and is celebrated each year at The Phoenix Festival in the Abbey Grounds.

The Cotswold Lion sheep reflects Cirencester’s wool trade history, which remains evident in street names, shopping areas and companies.

The Hare, meanwhile, holds special significance due to the Roman hare mosaic discovered in the town, which inspired the Hare Festival Way nature trail launched in 2016 and boasting giant hare sculptures designed by local artists.

An exhibition at Cirencester Local Information Centre in Dyer Street has accompanied the tree repurposing project.

To further engage the community, Cirencester Town Council has held a competition to name the three new carvings.

Open to Cirencester residents, the competition launched on Friday, September 6.

The chosen names were due to be announced on Wednesday, September 18 and feature on an interpretation board by the tree.

Commenting on the new play feature, Natalie Reynolds, land, property and projects manager at Cirencester Town Council, said: “We are thrilled to have received the Caring for the Cotswolds grant for this project.

“Andy’s stunning carvings have significantly enriched the park and created a wonderful new play feature for local children.”