THE Bolton Wildlife Project and the Arts Unit of Bolton council have teamed up with local craftsman Jeff Allen to create two living willow sculptures at schools in Deane.

The first project is taking place this week until tomorrow at St Mary's School.

The second will be at Haslam Park School, Deane, in Environment Week from May 21 to 24.

Both projects will enable schoolchildren to create living sculptures from willow, which can be woven dry for baskets or while still fresh to produce a woven sculpture which will grow. Jeff is an experienced artist who works with willow to produce a wide range of functional and artistic pieces.

He will be working with the pupils and interpreting designs which they have prepared in class.

Council arts officer Janet Hampson began the project and the council is giving financial support.

The Arts Unit is keen to encourage greater use of community-based environmental arts in raising awareness of environmental issues and creative possibilities. The Wildlife Project is co-ordinating and managing the idea.

The Project has helped many local schools to improve their grounds for wildlife and has previously created a willow tunnel at Eatock School, Westhoughton.

Angela Downing, their urban wildlife officer, said: "That was really just experimenting to see if we could do it.

"We are delighted that the Arts Unit have given the support necessary for Jeff to come and work on this project. He's a real expert and he makes it all look so easy."

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