Deadwood Art

habitat creation + art

Deadwood, and especially standing deadwood, is a vital part of our ecosystem which is often missing from our gardens and landscapes, but also even from our woodlands. It plays host to a different range of saproxylic insects and fungi than fallen deadwood, but both habitats are crucial to have a functioning and diverse ecology. Making wood sculptures that create these habitats, yet looks like art is an exciting way of linking nature and people in a garden, park or commercial setting. Larger structures can provide roosting niches for mice, birds and bats.

the Art of Decay

for gardens and woodland sites

Standing Deadwood

Standing deadwood, often called monoliths, or snags, create as much habitat as a living, ancient tree. As it decays, species change in a natural progression. It is important that there is enough deadwood and hollow trees as mobility of some saprophytes is limited. There is a huge deficit of mature trees to replace our current ancient and veterans, which is why creating habitat is so important.

An amazing deadwood snag in a public car park.

This hollowed out Poplar is a habitat haven.

Services Offered

relating to the creation of deadwood art

Unique Installations

I am happy to discuss the creation of deadwood art on-site from existing or local resources, within the region of the home counties. Please note that this is an occasional service I offer and that the work is very much linked to the creation of habitat resources.

Carving of standing deadwood (Southern Counties UK) to make habitat
Assemblage of multiple log structures to mimic hollow/veteran tree habitat
Enhancement of carvings to encourage bat roosting
Talks and demonstrations of the process

Chainsaw Carving

what is involved

the Process

It is always better to work with wood exisitng on-site, this comes preloaded with microbiota (fungi) and minimal logistics.

Where this is not possible, finding a local source of timber is preferable, from forestry or arboricultural practices. Larger structures can be created by combining several pieces together. The type of wood, and how green or dry, will effect the carving process and the durability of the finished piece, bearing in mind that decay is the intention.

Detail of deadwood art piece, mimicking major branch tearout

MA natural split enhanced in sweet chestnut, a naturalised hardwood.

A little colour (with non-toxic paints) can make the carving stand out.

The process starts with a chainsaw, finishes with cordless sanders and die grinders.

Deadwood art piece, also a bee hotel for soliatary bees

Carving in progress creating long undulations.

Carving hollows with a ball gouge, these catch the light.

A hollowed out log with internal colour spots (using water-based paint)

I would be very happy to discuss your project by phone, email or Zoom/Teams. I can carry out sculpting separately, or in conjunction with woodland/edge design.

Site visits are charged as consultancy and cost reflects distance. Contact details are on Home page.

mark laurence design ltd | adaptive landscapes for a changing world