A unique hand-carved oak bench designed with help from local schoolchildren has been unveiled in Otley’s Tittybottle Park.
The new bench, created from a tree that previously stood near Otley Bridge, was commissioned by Leeds City Council as part of efforts to give the timber a lasting community use after the tree was removed for essential safety and accessibility reasons. Year 5 pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School were invited to submit design ideas inspired by Otley’s landscape, wildlife and heritage. Their artwork was reviewed by Otley Town Mayor and town councillor Paul Carter, who selected the motifs that now appear in the finished carving.
The bench was crafted by local artist Shane Green, a specialist in large-scale timber sculpture whose work is recognised across Yorkshire for its intricate detail and strong connection to nature. He has created a number of public artworks across the region, often working with schools and community groups to reflect local identity through wood carving.
Leeds City council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:
“This project shows how we can turn necessary infrastructure works into opportunities for creativity and community pride. The pupils’ ideas were imaginative and thoughtful, and Shane’s craftsmanship has transformed them into a stunning piece of public art. We are delighted to see this new bench take its place in Tittybottle Park.”
Artist Shane Green said: “The children’s designs were full of energy and character, and it has been a real pleasure to carve them into something that will be enjoyed for years to come. Giving the former Otley Bridge oak a new role in the town feels incredibly meaningful.”
The Headteacher of St. Joseph’s, Luke Gilhooly said:
“It was really exciting to see our children so excited and engaged in this local project and for them to see their designs coming to life is brilliant. We are looking forward to sharing our creations, brought to life by the help of Shane, with the local community.”
The project marks the completion of the Otley Bridge footway scheme, a major improvement programme aimed at making it safer and easier for people to walk through the town. A short film documenting the footway replacement works and the challenges involved has also been released.
Leeds City Council said it was committed to reusing the timber in a way that would provide long-term value to the community. Some of the wood was also donated to the Wharfedale Men’s Shed. The unveiling event was attended by the Town Mayor, the headteacher and pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, ward councillors and Shane Green.
Although the bench is now in place, recent wet ground conditions mean turfing in the surrounding area will be completed in early spring. The council will also provide Otley in Bloom with plants for use over the coming weeks, while the circular flowerbed maintained by the council will also be reinstated.
