A SERIES of artworks at a country park have been restored after they failed to withstand the weather.

Art pillars were installed at the Castle Hill Country Park north of Salisbury as part of a trail to reflect the relationship between people and nature.

The designs featured poppy, hare, chalk milkwort, horseshoe vetch, skylark and pyramidal orchid which, as they age, will patinate and become a more integral part of the landscape.

These were damaged in the harsh weather that battered Wiltshire in recent months and Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, who were mindful of the community involvement and personal stories that went into creating the artwork, began to look at ways to restore them.

The council approached the public art officer at Wiltshire Council, who provided a grant, which enabled them to go back to the original artist Kerry Lemon and discuss preserving the artworks in a more durable fashion.

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The art pillars have now been wrapped in corten steel cages forged by Black Forge Arts in Kent, and feature flora and fauna found around the hill using Kerry Lemon’s original designs.

Artist Kerry Lemon, said: “I am delighted to see these artworks brought back to life through the exceptional craftsmanship of Rod and his team at Black Forge Art.

“I hope they bring enjoyment to residents and visitors for many years to come.”

The parish council says the country park is a haven for wildlife.

A spokesperson said: “[Our] original mission, in turning agricultural land into public open space, was about preserving the landscape and the health and integrity of the active, living communities that surrounded it, both human and animal.

“It is a breeding ground for the red-listed Skylark and the chalk soils allow for a range of less common plant species, set against views of Salisbury Cathedral, Laverstock Downs, Old Sarum Hillfort and the historically important grass-strip airfield.

“The balance in achieving this was a challenging prospect and the art pillar trail was a reflection of that new ambition to provide a nature corridor across a suburban edge of Salisbury city, offering enjoyment and recreation for all.

“Who we are as humans is a result of nature’s generosity and the abundant resources it has provided, fostering our growth and evolution.”

Castle Hill Country Park is managed by the Land Trust, which is just producing its next-phase development plan.

They already offer a range of initiatives for people to more fully enjoy nature at Castle Hill, which has rapidly become an important resource for people from across South Wiltshire.

According to the parish council, a HUQ survey showed footfall had risen from 25,000 in 2019, to 4,111,000 in 2024 demonstrating Castle Hill’s popularity and frequent use.