Storm damage meant a North Yorkshire visitor attraction had no choice but to chop down one of its prize trees, a 150 year old Hungarian oak.

Now the Himalayan Garden, near Masham, has created a fitting tribute from the stump that was left thanks to an expert sculptor.

It took renowned Yorkshire chainsaw artist Karl Barker three days to create the new barn owl sculpture from the nine foot tall tree stump which had a circumference of just over 17 feet.

Will Roberts, owner of the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, said they were devastated when the Hungarian oak, which was planted in the 1870s during the reign of Queen Victoria, was damaged.

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He said the beautiful triple stemmed oak, was in the heart of the garden but they had no choice but to fell it for safety reasons because of extensive damage.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

He said: “We decided it was fitting to create something new from the old tree for people to continue to enjoy, and commissioned Karl to create something special for visitors to enjoy when the garden reopens on Tuesday, April 4.

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“We are delighted with the beautiful piece Karl has created for us. At the start of his three days beavering away with his many chainsaws we really didn’t know what was going to emerge from the stump. We really think visitors are going to love the new owl seat and wonder who is going to be the first to sit in it.”

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Karl said: “As a chainsaw carver based in the heart of North Yorkshire I make a range of bespoke, wooden chainsaw sculptures each one filled with character and charisma. I offer a stump carving service and am delighted to have created the ‘Hungry Owl Seat’, transforming what was left of the Hungarian oak tree into something visitors can interact with for years to come.”

The Himalayan garden is a privately owned garden and arboretum with the biggest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in the north. The garden has been extended in the past 30 years and opened to the public so people can appreciate the 20,000 plant varieties and 20-acre arboretum.