Tree removed for safety reasons has found a new home

Ground Control and Highways England Set a Benchmark With Community Artworks

A tree that had to be removed for safety reasons near the A45/A6 during work for Highways England has been found a new home – thanks to the talents of a local woodcarver.

Despite extensive investigations and hi-tech testing, it was not possible to retain the tree near the A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout in Northamptonshire. Highways England are carrying out much-needed improvements on the site which will improve traffic flow and make journeys more reliable. However the works would have left the tree – known locally as Three Oaks – unstable and at risk of falling down.

Ground Control’s team, lead by Construction Manager Jeremy Willis, commissioned a woodcarver to carve some benches out of the oak tree to give back to the local community. The inscription on the benches will read ‘Gifted by Ground Control’, and will hopefully carve out a new chapter in the history of the beloved tree.

Highways England Project Manager Dean Holloway said:

We were very disappointed that despite our best efforts we were not able to safely keep the tree and carry out these important improvements. But knowing how the residents felt we were determined to put the wood to good use and we are very grateful to Carrie for her incredible artistry that has created these wonderful benches for everyone to enjoy.