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23
Jun 2023
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was in Nidderdale yesterday to unveil one of his poems carved into stones at Brimham Rocks.
Simon Armitage, who has been Poet Laureate since 2019, composed Balancing Act based on the popular Nidderdale attraction. The work was commissioned by the National Trust.
Within the poem, the Yorkshire-born poet illustrates why the rocks are such a significant spot for both visitors and nature.
Two large stones – which double-up as an art installation – each showcase a verse of the poem. They have been positioned at Brimham on the north moor, next to the rocks to offer a place of reflection and serenity.
The poem was carved by the National Trust’s lead specialist craftsperson, Richard Dawson, into Yorkshire sandstone called Witton Fell.
The stone was chosen because its colour and texture is representative of Brimham’s stone formations.
Pic: National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor
Brimham Rocks has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The status, attributed by Natural England, is used to protect environmental heritage sites in the British Isles from development, insensitive land management, or pollution.
Pic: National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor
Mr Armitage continued:
Justin Scully, general manager at Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey, said:
More information on the poem and other ongoing events at Brimham Rocks can be found here.
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