A five-foot high sculpture of an owl has been unveiled at The Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth — created by students and local artist and sculptor Richard Janes.

The work is part of the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, which supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund is working with young people on the natural landscape and local history.

The owl, designed with open wings and a book etched with the school’s motto, has been installed outside the main gate at the school.

Made from green oak, the sculpture pays homage to Nottinghamshire’s native trees, grounding the artwork in the region’s natural heritage.

Pupils sketched, designed, and carved parts of the wood themselves, based on the diverse flora and fauna of Sherwood Forest.

The project linked into the school’s namesake, Joseph Whitaker, an esteemed naturalist and botanist. It was inspired by the

Miner2Major’s Rainworth Heath arrow sculpture, which was installed at the nature site last spring.

Pupils from the eco-club at Joseph Whitaker and Dawn House School, Rainworth, worked with Richard on the sculpture for the nature reserve.

Joining the celebration at Joseph Whitaker were avian ambassadors and local charity Woodies Wings Rescue, which took tawny, barn, white-faced, snowy, and Eurasian eagle owls for students to interact with.

Rachel Souter, deputy head curriculum intent and implementation at Joseph Whitaker, said: “This sculpture has already become part of our school landscape and the students selected had an unforgettable experience, meeting real owls for the unveiling of the sculpture.

“Our partnership with Miner2Major has brought exciting new learning experiences for our students, allowing them to connect and engage with Nottinghamshire’s heritage landscape in valuable ways”.

Steve Little, scheme manager of Miner2Major, added: “We’re thrilled to see the culmination of the pupils’ hard work and creative efforts in this wonderful owl sculpture,.

“It’s a tribute to the rich biodiversity of our surroundings and a nod to Joseph Whitaker’s enduring passion for nature.”

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