A public outcry following the fire which destroyed the Willow Giant next to the M5 in Somerset has led to the setting up of a fund for the re-creation of the sculpture.
The 40-foot high sculpture by artist Serena de la Hey was made as part of South West Arts? Year of the Artist programme. Originally costing £15,000 and made of locally grown willow, it has proved to be an important landmark for Somerset and one of the most popular projects during the Year, appreciated by local people as well as by millions who have seen it from road and rail. Offers of support are flooding in for the recreation of the Giant. South West Arts has committed funds to re-building it, and is talking to other funding partners to ensure that the project can go ahead.