Whitwell: Tree stump transformed into woodland sculpture

A village tree that was brought down by high winds has been turned into an animal sculpture by a local artist.

Ben Yeates, 42, from Whitwell, Derbyshire, uses a chainsaw to create pieces of art from wood and unwanted trees.

Mr Yeates contacted the local council to request the stump of the tree that fell down opposite Whitwell Newsagents at Christmas.

The 42-year-old's finished artwork features a fox and a pair of owls.

"I thought it would be nice to carve something into it and donate it back to the village," he said.

Mr Yeates, also known as Woodland Craft in Colour on YouTube, told the BBC he had always been interested in woodwork and decided to take up wood carving six months ago.

"I like to do things that are creative as it keeps my mind busy and focused," he said.

"I always enjoyed watching other people carving online, so six months ago I thought I would give it a go for myself and I now show people how to carve on YouTube."

Explaining his design, he said: "Owls are my favourite to do and are always eye-catching to people.

"I had never carved a fox before this one but I saw that there was enough room on the trunk to fit one in, so I gave it a go.

"I've only had good feedback on it so far and I hope everyone else likes it as well."

The plan is for the sculpture to be placed in the same spot where the tree previously stood.

Mr Yeates said: "We are just waiting for planning permission from the council to put it back up where the tree stood, so the decision is still in progress."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.