A WOODEN carving of one of Lancashire’s most iconic birds is due to be unveiled in Hyndburn today.

The hen harrier, which was created with a chainsaw by artist Rick Goodwin, has been funded through a compensation payment from United Utilities following traffic problems during roadworks.

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An inscription was added yesterday as a time-lapse video of its development was released, which can be seen at the Lancashire Telegraph’s website.

Sean Kerr, the chairman of Hyndburn Tree Wardens in Accrington, said: “The idea came about in a meeting when we saw that United Utilities were giving grants of up to £1,000 towards community projects in the Hyndburn area, which was to give something back to the community following the inconvenience caused by major roadworks.

“When we came up with what we wanted we had a site visit to see a few trees that could be carved.

“But as soon as we saw that one, that was the one.

“But it’s 20-25ft up and it was challenging because it was working at height.

“We were going to use a cherry picker but the ground was too uneven.

“So we went to get a quote from a local scaffolder and Jim from Ascent Scaffolding of Clayton said he would do it for free so I must thank him.”

The sculpture adds to the Woodlands project, which is a walk and cycle route through the beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Clayton-le-Moors.

There are other carvings in the coppice, including an owl, but the hen harrier will take up a more prominent spot off Whalley Road.

Sean said: “Hundreds of people drove past and looked on as the carving was done over the bank holiday weekend.

“I get the feeling this carving is going to be the talk of the town when the scaffold comes down.

“We decided that this could be used to create a carving in The Woodlands, which is part of Clayton Forest Park, where there are other tree carvings but none in a very conspicuous location.

“After a site visit we decided that a standing Beech stump opposite the Sparth Manor Hotel entrance, would be the best place to do this.

“The Woodlands was previously awarded first place in the Community Woodland category of the Royal Forestry Society’s Excellence in Forestry Awards 2013 and also achieved a silver award in the ‘Best of England Excellence in Forestry Awards’ again run by the Royal Forestry Society.”

Mr Goodwin, of Bowstone Hill, Horwich only took up sculpting six years ago and when he attempted his first sculpture he was in tears laughing at how bad it was.

A builder by trade, Mr Goodwin has since produced a 12-foot sculpture of an otter with its babies at Harwood Golf Course and a life-sized version of The Thinker.