Landmark Artworks
Irish Elks by Sally Matthews (2000)
This work, located on the site of an ex-colliery at the Snibston Discovery Park, National Route 6, is a fine example of the sculptural skill and observation of artist Sally Matthews. Using recycling and reformed metal, Sally's work explore the essence of the animal itself - she cites her love of them, their different form, movement, smell and nature as her reasons for using animals as inspiration.
Sustrans commissioning Irish Elks was in part inspired by the popularity of Sally Matthews' existing Beamish Shorthorn sculptures on the C2C. However, the choice of Irish Elks for this location linked to current concerns about climate change; the original elks were killed after the lichen on which they browse receded after the last Ice Age. The machinery and tools from which the artist made these beast had also passed their time as had the ex-colliery on which they are sited.
To find out more about the artist visit Sally Matthew's website. Or to view more examples of her work on the Network visit Art Trails, Consett to Sunderland (C2C) and The Water Rail Way.
Ride the Solar System (The Sun) (2000)
This multiple sculpture traverses the Network to take you through the Solar System on the cycle path near York, National Route 65.
Three scientists from University of York - Peter Thompson, Dave Coulthard and Willy Hoedeman - constructed this 10.4 km scale model of the solar system between Bishopthorpe and Riccall. They also recently installed a scale model, one third the size of the real probe near the site of Saturn at the old Naburn station.
.jpg)
Chichester Road Gang by David Kemp (1995), Centurion Way, National Route
This work lies on Centurion Way, National Route 88, which links West Dean with Chichester using the former Chichester-Midhurst railway line.
Centurion way takes its name from the fact that it crosses the course of an ancient Roman road. 'Chichester Road Gang' represents Roman road-builders and marks the point where the alignment of the Roman road to Silchester crosses the path.
To find out more about Centurion Way visit the South East section of our website.
Visit David Kemp's website to find out more about his work.
Willow Walk by Katy Hallett 
This is a longitudinal willow planting; with hundreds of willow wands planted by local people, students and school children along quarter of a mile of National Route 3 as it meanders towards Glastonbury. Distant views of the Tor are framed by willow arches at intervals through a tunnel which leads into successive willow circles of many different varieties.
How we use cookies