Griffin Wood, St.Helens part of the Mersey Forest

Griffin Wood in Bold

The new community woodland off Hall Lane
which features a superb sculpture trail

Photo-Album    |   Directions    |   Official Website
A 30-picture Slideshow displaying the wide range of golden, copper and bronze Autumnal colours in Griffin Wood, the new woodland in Bold, St.Helens - photographed in October 2010
Griffin Wood is a 12-hectare woodland situated at the bottom of Hall Lane in Bold by the M62 and adjacent to Maypole Wood and the Clockface Colliery Country Park. The woodland is managed by Mersey Forest who work with a Friends of Griffin Wood community group to maintain and improve the site.

The creation of Griffin Wood has involved carefully managing an existing overgrown woodland, improving accessibility through the installation of small boardwalks and the planting of many new trees inside the existing wood and outside on former farmland. A spectacular attraction is a sculpture trail containing some remarkable creations carved out of wood by top chainsaw artists and designed by local people.

Bold Hall plaque on cottage in Hall Lane, Bold, St.Helens
There is considerable heritage in the immediate vicinity. The site of Griffin Wood is close to the former Bold Halls, and the grade 2 listed farmhouse at Home Farm in Hall Lane, as well as the former stable range, are the main surviving elements of the Bold Hall Estate. A cottage opposite Home Farm bears weather-beaten plaques of Bold Halls (pictured right) and another cottage, by the entrance to Griffin Wood, bears the date stone 1699. This is probably the oldest property in the Sutton and Bold district with the ravages of subsidence having seen off so many other historic buildings. The owner of the refurbished property has told me that the easterly section of the house is the original wing. The former Clock Face Colliery and Bold Colliery provide a mining heritage in the immediate vicinity of Griffin Wood.

Sculptures in Griffin Wood St.Helens
Imposing sculptures in the mature section of Griffin Wood - the new woodland in Bold

The woodland is being developed by Mersey Forest on behalf of Community Forests North West, who in 2006 consulted with the Sutton and Bold community so they could incorporate local people's ideas into the woodland's design. Griffin Wood was chosen as the woodland's name, as a griffin features in the legend of the derivation of Bold, plus a griffin also appears on the St.Helens coat of arms.

Work was then undertaken to prepare the ground for tree planting and the sowing of wild flower meadows. In March 2007, thousands of saplings were planted with the development of the woodland expected to take several years. The intention is to encourage wildlife to the area and to complement the existing open access woodlands at Maypole and Wheatacre nearby. Imposing sculptures (see above) have been added to the mature woodland as focal points and a bird hide and feeding station were installed in October 2008.

Try rugby ball sculpture in Griffin Wood
'Try' - rugby ball sculpture in Griffin Wood designed by Jack Murray and created by chainsaw sculptor Andy Burgess

A Friends of Griffin Wood community group have worked closely with the Mersey Forest team to develop orchards, plant hedgerow and trees and create habitats. Bulb planting events, to enhance the existing woodland, have taken place and a series of free one-day courses have been held regularly both at the Leaf Centre in Chester Lane and in Griffin Wood.

Sculptured bench in Griffin Wood, Bold, St.Helens that resembles the shape of a fern leaf designed by sculptor Julian Taylor
A sculptured bench that resembles the shape of a fern leaf in Griffin Wood designed by sculptor Julian Taylor

Chainsaw sculptor at Woodworks Festival
In April 2010 a sculptured bench that resembles the shape of a fern leaf was added to the site. It was designed by sculptor Julian Taylor, who took inspiration for the design from the Broad Buckler ferns that are found within the mature woodland at Griffin Wood. Julian was able to construct the bench using timber that had been removed from the mature woodland as part of tree safety work.

A sculpture trail was added to Griffin Wood in May 2010 with their designs created by local families. A Wood Works event was held at the Leaf Centre in Four Acre in March 2010 when the plasticine moulds were converted into works of art by professional chainsaw sculptors. The five finished creative pieces, which range from famous icons of St.Helens to local wildlife, were then installed to form the arts trail at Griffin Wood along with the existing sculptures located within the mature woodland.

Jack Murray designed a hand on a rugby ball which was recreated faithfully by chainsaw sculptor Andy Burgess. Julian Taylor produced a snail sculpture from a design by Sophie Fairhurst and her father Bryan. A bearded 'Green Man' was carved by Tim Burgess and a rabbit warren seat by a pond was created by Simon O'Rourke.

A 'Miner Bird' that blends industry and wildlife and is situated opposite Fiddlers Ferry power station was created by Nigel McQuilton from P.N. Tree Services. Griffin Wood is home to Kestrels and Buzzards and in the thoughtful sculpture, a bird of prey rests on a pick axe which also connects with the former collieries at Bold and Clock Face.

sculpture in Griffin Wood, Bold, St.Helens
Another stunning sculpture in Griffin Wood as part of the sculpture trail and carved by Tim Burgess

A visit to Griffin Wood is highly recommended. There's plenty of seating and as well as viewing the marvellous sculptures, one can watch the world whizz past on the adjacent M62 while relaxing in the tranquil surroundings of the woodlands. The rear of the Dream sculpture can also be observed and at the time of writing in June 2010, there is a glorious cornucopia of colour with the green young trees outflanked by the countless yellow buttercups.

A narrow footbridge allows visitors to cross over the busy motorway and connects with Bold Heath and Warrington Road to the south. This was created to ensure the continuation of a public right of way. Note that access from Hall Lane to the north is limited as it's a private road. Although pedestrian access is permitted, car parking is not allowed. Cars can be left at the nearby car park at Clockface Colliery Country Park on Gorsey Lane and one can walk through Maypole Wood on the short journey to Griffin Wood.

Many cyclists and dog walkers pass through the woodland. However, the Friends of Griffin Wood request that you ensure your dog doesn't damage the tree guards that protect the young trees from rabbits.

griffinwoodsign


More On This Website About Griffin Wood:
Beauty:  Griffin Wood Photo Album;  Slideshow;   Maypole Wood;  
Heritage:   Clock Face Colliery; Bold Hall;
Contact Details:  Mersey Forest: 01925 816217;  Email;  Griffin Wood Website;  Project Dirt Liverpool Griffin Wood Website;  Become A Mersey Forest Supporter;  Download Dec. 2011 Mersey Forest Newsletter;  Mersey Forest Love Your Woods
The Friends of Griffin Wood meet at the Leaf Centre, (by Chester Lane Library), Four Acre Lane, St.Helens, WA9 4DE usually on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm.
Forthcoming Griffin Wood Events:

Griffin Wood event:  No public events planned

Training sessions that are open to the public can be booked by calling Mary Wright on 07947 739636. All Griffin Wood activities are subject to weather conditions.
Header picture:  Griffin Wood photographed in May 2010 with superimposed signage
Stephen Wainwright
This website has been written and researched and many images photographed by the Sutton Beauty & Heritage site owner, Stephen Wainwright. All rights are reserved but my pictures and text content can be re-used for non-commercial use. High resolution versions of my own photographs can be supplied at no charge. Other images are used for heritage and educational purposes and are believed to be in the public domain. This site takes a responsible attitude to copyright and, where appropriate, I endeavour to obtain permission from rights holders. This is not always possible and you are encouraged to contact me via the contact page if you require accreditation for the use of any photograph or to discuss any issue.

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