Disused, silted up and forgotten ponds in Summerfields, have been given a massive facelift and are now the site of a series of three fantastic public artworks.
Two local artists, Joc Hare and Leigh Dyer were chosen to develop ideas for the area beside Brisco's Walk. This followed the development of the Hastings Greenway project and a bequest to the Council by a Miss Hendley and a contribution by the Environment Agency.
Originally, the plans were to link the sites with a weir, which would have a reflective pool of water behind it. This idea has grown and now there are three artworks with another planned for October.
Thanks to work by BTCV and funding by the Greenspace Project, it was agreed to desilt the middle and lower ponds. Hundreds of smooth newts were rescued by Greenspace project volunteers and put into another pond while work was taken place. They have now been released back into the ponds. Reeds and water forget-me-not were also removed and will be reintroduced once the landscape has settled down.
The artworks begin with the Logjam. The first pond flows out through a pipe into the Logjam, a series of logs and dishes, which conducts the water flow down a slope into the next pond and through the Weir Tree.
The Weir Tree is an oak tree cut in lengthways strips. The water flows through it as a normal weir and drops waterfall-like a foot or so into the final pond. At the end of the final pond is Hendley's Repose. It is a beautifully made wooden ford and log roll seat, with wooden steps up to a further seat at the end of the lower pond. The water rises up in a circular well within the ford and then meanders across the surface before falling into the next pool. An iron sculpture will be installed by Leigh Dyer in the lower pond during October.
Councillor Paul Silverson, Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration, said: "This project has made that area within the woods quite magical. The installations are amazing to look at and there are fantastically crafted seats so that you can sit down and enjoy the sound of the water flowing through and the wildlife.
"It's incredibly peaceful and I think everyone who's taken part in and designed this project should be incredibly proud of their achievement. It's a fantastic part of the Greenway, and a superb example of how public art can completely transform a space."
Hastings Greenway project aims to create a series of pedestrian and cycling routes, away from motorised traffic. When complete, it will form a 'green' loop in the centre of the town linking shops, schools, stations and offices with public open spaces including Alexandra Park and Summerfields Woods. Significant improvements have already been made to Bethune Way underpass, with artwork expected to be installed in it later this year. The Hastings Greenway project is a partnership between Hastings Borough Council, Hastings Trust, East Sussex County Council and Network Rail. The Greenspace Project is funded by the Council and Biffaward.
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This page last updated: 02/10/2003