If you go down to Wembdon Parklands in Somerset today you’ll be sure of a big surprise – a beautiful nature trail featuring timber animal sculptures.

Built and supplied by Hand Made Places, the carvings and creations form part of the transformation of scrubland by committed members of the community.

All of the plans for the parklands are aimed at improving the quality of life and wellbeing of residents in a completely inclusive way.

The scheme aims to tackle issues such as loneliness; accessibility for wheelchair users; provision of facilities for young families; and social isolation for those with learning and physical disabilities.

The nature trail features various animal faces, sculptures and a bespoke carved totem for a sensory area of the green space, to encourage imaginative play.

Working with trustees and volunteers from Wembdon Parklands and Community Together, Hand Made Places delivered a range of high-quality features including wooden sculptures of insects, parkland animals and woodland faces.

The recreational area has been funded entirely through donations and grants.

As well as stimulating the senses for those with visual impairments, the trail aims to promote gentle activity and education with the sculptures intended for people to sit on and children to play on.

The overall £70,000 project includes solar lighting, new pathways, fencing and gates, tree and hedge planting, sensory borders and a prairie orchard.

Hand Made Places has also provided seating, and a series of stepping logs and low level balance beams for an adventure trail close to a picnic area in the parklands.

In time, it is hoped the scheme will develop a natural woodland ecosystem to attract wildlife and encourage the return of native animals including bats, birds, badgers and insects.

The Hand Made Places sculptures are designed to bring enjoyment to visitors of all ages and abilities for years to come.