Darwen curlew sculpture plans go out to public consultation

People in Darwen are being invited to have their say on plans for a new four-metre public sculpture of a curlew at a gateway to the West Pennine Moors.

The artwork, called Curlew Calling, has been designed by Darwen-based artist Marjan Wouda.

The proposed site is beside the popular walking route from the Sunnyhurst Pub up to Darwen’s Jubilee Tower. A number of locations were considered before the preferred site was identified after discussions with Natural England.

Over the past year, work has been carried out to assess the project’s financial feasibility, environmental considerations, technical requirements, ground conditions and installation and maintenance needs.

Marjan Wouda has worked with local engineering and fabrication specialists WEC Group on the design. As with the Darwen Spitfire Memorial in the town centre, apprentices are expected to be involved in fabricating the sculpture.

Funding for the proposal has been secured from Arts Council England to develop it further. Subject to public support and the necessary approvals, funding support has been identified in principle from Destination Darwen, part of the Darwen Town Deal, and Darwen Town Council.

The curlew is closely associated with the moorland landscape around Darwen. Supporters of the project say the sculpture would celebrate the bird, encourage people to pause and appreciate the wildlife and landscape, and create a new landmark for visitors.

It would also support the wider Destination Darwen programme, which includes upgrades of routes up through the town’s parks on to the moors and to the Tower.

The consultation opened on Monday, September 7 and runs until midnight on Monday, October 5. If feedback is positive, the proposal will move on to formal permissions, including planning approval and any other necessary consents.

People can complete a short online survey, with paper copies available at Darwen Library.

Marjan Wouda will also hold drop-in sessions at Darwen Library on Wednesday, September 23, from 1pm to 3pm and at Darwen Market on Saturday, September 26, from 9:30am to 11:30am.

No final decision has been made.