Pendle Sculpture Trail

 

If you go down to the woods near Pendle Hill in Lancashire, you're sure of a big surprise...

Hidden along the winding trail are signs and sculptures representing the ten 'Pendle Witches' who, over 400 years ago, were accused of witchcraft, then tried and hanged at nearby Lancaster Castle.



It all started on 18th March 1612 when local woman Alizon Device cursed a pedlar who refused to give her some pins. He fell down and couldn't move, so Alizon was accused of witchcraft.  Robert Nowell (above) led the investigation, which was to become Britain's biggest witch hunt. 

To mark the 400 year anniversary of the trial, local artists created the Pendle Sculpture Trail. All of the 'witches' are represented on clay tablets. Anne Redferne, for example, was accused of trying to kill a man by making a clay doll and sticking pins into it (similar to 'Voodoo' practices in other parts of the World).

We thoroughly enjoyed discovering the wonderful sculptures hidden in the forest and learning about the Pendle Witches. Our favourite sculptures had to be Reconnected I and II (above and below), which give new life to dead trees.



Ducky Escape

One day in Spring, we were driving home from school, chatting about our day, when we spotted a family of Pacific Black Ducks crossing the road. The parents and about 14 ducklings were walking in single file, right in front of us.  Mum slowed down the car to let them pass. 

Photo by Ashley Fraser, Wildcare

As they reached the other side of the road, we watched in horror as all but one of the ducklings fell down a storm water drain.  The parents were running around, quacking frantically. We pulled in to the side of the road and tried to rescue them but Mum couldn’t lift the grate. She said we had to call Wildcare, an organisation that rescues and cares for native wildlife.

Ten minutes later, we were relieved to see a Wildcare van approaching.  A wildlife carer and her daughter had come to the rescue.  They were able to open the grate and, using a special net, lift the ducklings out of the drain safely.  It was an awesome feeling to see all the babies reunited with their parents.

A few months later, we saw a family of around eight ducks – two adults and six juveniles – at the exact same spot. We like to think they were the same family we helped to rescue.  Pacific Black Ducks lay up to sixteen eggs but only around 20% usually survive, so this family did better than most.

With the arrival of spring, Wildcare will be busy rescuing baby birds.  It’s important to remember that not all baby birds on the ground need to be rescued – so it’s a good idea to read Wildcare’s useful factsheet  before calling for help.

Wildcare Australia Emergency Hotline: 07 5527 2444

by Noah & Ruby Jay