The Seed Pods
The Seed Pods by Ian Freemantle (2021)
Nestled in the park's wildflower meadow, The Seed Pods were created by Stony Stratford-based woodworker Ian Freemantle. The Seeds Pods along with the Snake were some of the outputs from Ian's 'One Tree Project' in 2021. The timber for the sculptures came from the Stockgrove Redwood (a Sequioiadendron giganteum), which was the central tree on an avenue of 12 specimens which were planted 100 years ago at Stockgrove Park House at what is now Rushmere Country Park. It sadly died around its 100th birthday, having reached a height of over 100 feet. It was expertly dismantled by a skilled arborist and has since been made into a variety of different sculptures. The wood will change colour from its striking red to a soft silver-grey. It is a great choice for outdoor sculptures as it is durable whilst being light in weight. The Seed Pods and the Snake are sitting on cradles made from oak.
Click here to read more about Ian Freemantle's One Tree Project
The wildflower meadow was strewn with hay from Stonepit Field and is now home to many different species of wildflower and grass. The Seed Pods are modelled on dried seed pods collected from the Great Linford Manor Park meadow.
You can find the Seed Pods located at What3Words /// lengthen.orange.flap
In this video, listen to Ian Freemantle speaking about the sculptures.
