Timber from a felled tree was turned into three hand-carved benches for Stratton St Margaret, which had been placed at Neptune Park, Merton Fields and Kingsdown Park, Swindon24 reported on 9 April 2026.
Stratton St Margaret Parish Council led the project. Rather than have the timber taken away, it commissioned local artist Ryan Branco to make seating from it for use in the parish.
Each bench has a different animal carved into it, so each park has its own design. The report said the benches were already popular with families and other park visitors.
One eight-year-old park visitor said: "My favourite one is the squirrel because it looks really real. I like trying to find it when we go to the park."
Claire Crilly, parish councillor for Merton Ward, said: "It's fantastic to see something so positive come from a tree that was part of our local landscape. These benches not only enhance our parks, but they also tell a story of sustainability and community pride. I hope residents will enjoy them for years to come."
The report did not say where the tree had stood or why it was felled.
Source: Swindon24.