A DRAMATIC new artwork has been unveiled beside a woodland pond as part of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.

Inspired by the ancient history of mining beneath the surface of the area, artist Natasha Rosling created the new structure called Threshold with large interlocking walls that visitors can walk through and immerse themselves in.

She spent time at Clearwell Caves, the historic iron and ochre mine, to take moulds of hidden underground rock faces marked with the impressions of pick axe marks and dynamite blasts.

She then constructed a large formwork on site at Beechenhurst, lined with a patchwork of the moulds, and poured pigmented concrete in stages to form vivid red ochre walls that boldly contrast with the woodland backdrop.

Bristol-based Natasha said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed delving into the Forest, its geology and human history during the development of Threshold.

“The stories and perspectives of all the people I’ve worked with during its making continue to inspire me and have been central to the work.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Threshold evolves with the rhythms of its surroundings over time, offering an embodied place to pause and sense the forest.”

The scuplture was commissioned by the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust, in partnership with Forestry Commission England, and supported by funding from Arts Council England, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Forest, Tewkesbury LEADER scheme and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Cathy Mager, Sculpture Trust project director, said: “Natasha Rosling’s intelligent research and technical innovation has produced a sculpture of profound quality and scale in a beautiful forest setting.

“Threshold offers an exciting opportunity to explore traces of centuries old human activity imprinted on the surface of the sculpture.”

Judith Lack, Forest of Dean Forestry England recreation manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have another new sculpture on site. Inspired by our heritage here in the Forest of Dean, it is especially fitting as we celebrate our centenary year.

“We hope visitors to Beechenhurst will enjoy interacting with it.”