Lions Club’s lockdown idea an addition to Les Vardes trail

And the idea also already sparking possible similar projects around the Channel Islands.

The Lions Club of Guernsey co-ordinated the project.

President Paul Allaway said the idea came about during lockdown as a way to get families outside, but there was a challenge to find the right location.

‘Then someone suggested Ronez and they said yes,’ he said. ‘The idea blossomed from there.’

The models were hand-carved with a chainsaw by Manchester-based artist Mike Burgess, who is a regular visitor to the island and has attended many of the local shows.

Most the sculptures are characters from Wind in the Willows. There is Mr Toad, Moley, Mr Badger and Ratty.

These are joined by two additional characters – the Rabbit and Mr Otter.

In addition to the animal sculptures, the Lions Club and Ronez have included a children’s ‘whisper seat’, where a child can sit and put their arm around a beautiful large carved owl on one side or a large lion on the other, to then be able to whisper all their thoughts.

The trail was opened by Education, Sport & Culture president Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen.

The sculptures and bench are made out of English oak, which will be oiled regularly to ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible.

Local companies and organisations sponsored the characters and the bench.

Supporters include DWA, Norman Piette, Creasey’s, Ravenscroft, The John Ramplin Trust and Health Improvement Commission.

Mr Allaway also thanked Ronez for its support.

While the trail was only opened officially on Saturday, the figures were installed a few weeks ago and Mr Allaway said some people had already spotted them and seemed to like them.

But the idea might stretch beyond the quarry. Mr Allaway said there was interest from Sark and Alderney to run similar trails and the club was also in talks with the National Trust about the idea.

The Jersey Lions Club is among those interested in developing the idea.