DOZENS of youngsters learned about woodland management and saw trees cut down, before designing the sculpture and bench those trees would become.

Estate and chainsaw wood sculptor Nick Speakman worked with the Beaver and Cub Scouts to create a wooden beaver sculpture and bench which both now overlook the Benyon Inclosure lake.

The project began in June of this year when 80 Beavers, Clubs and their families, including Burghfield's Voyager Beavers, working towards their community impact badge, went to the woods to learn about woodland management.

The young adventurers then used clay to design the sculpture, before Nick Speakman carved the bench with a scouting theme.

Both the sculpture and bench have now been installed for all who visit to enjoy, nearby to where the Scouts saw the trees felled.

In November, the Voyagers will return to plant saplings replacing those felled, therefore continuing the ongoing sustainable woodland cycle.

Richard Edwards, Englefield Estate's forestry manager, said: “The first stage of the project involved Nick talking to the beavers and Cubs about product design and the variety of approaches that can be taken when making a wooden bench.

“Then they went away and created a number of different designs using modelling clay, which gave Nick inspiration for the final sculpture.

“The group also learnt about woodland management including why we cut down trees, what we can make out of timber and how wood is a sustainable resource.

“Nick produced a brilliant piece of usable art within the woods that fits in perfectly with its surroundings.

“This has been a fantastic way of engaging young people with woodland management including why we manage woodlands and the importance of sustainable woodland management.”

The Berkshire Scouts pledged a grant of £200 for the project.

For more information, visit www.englefieldestate.co.uk.