Frensham’s Hollowdene recreation ground welcomed a new addition to its collection of wood carvings before Christmas.

What was once a sweet chestnut tree is now a bench featuring carvings of a squirrel, a deer, an owl, a badger and a fox. 

The tree had to be felled because of the impact of Storm Eunice on its root structure which could have caused nearby tree roots to fail if it was left alone.

The bench joins the village’s existing owl and squirrel carvings which were made under similar circumstances. 

Chair of Frensham Parish Council, Malc Billings, said: “We are quite proud of the result and hope the bench will make Frensham residents pleased that the parish council have made good use of the sad sweet chestnut that we had to fell during Storm Eunice.”

The carving was made by the hands of Mike Jones at Man and His Dog Carvings who did the previous carvings.

Despite costing around £3,700 Mr Billings and Rachel Audsley the parish clerk worked hard to secure grants to reduce the cost.

Surrey county councillor David Harmer also provided great support by providing help, advice and approach to request funding. 

Mr Billings added: “We will look to do more carvings if any more trees have to come down!”

The carvings can be found at Hollowdene recreation ground on Shortfield Common Road in Frensham.

By Michelle Monaghan