Badger carving unveiled in Pateley Bridge to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II

A wooden badger carved from a fallen tree has been unveiled in Pateley Bridge to commemorate the late Queen.

Bewerley Parish Council commissioned Sherwood Carvings to transform the tree, which was brought down by storms last year, into the adopted emblem of the town to mark the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Residents of the town and surrounding areas took part in an informal poll to decide what the carving should be. The badger came out victorious over an orb and sceptre, or a crown.

The transformation took a day and a half and was funded by a legacy grant from Harrogate Borough Council as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations last year.

The carving is located in the Pateley Bridge play area and is around 7ft tall.

The parish council said in a statement:

“We’re delighted to reveal this amazing carving of a badger on the play area at Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground.

“Jonathan of Sherwood Carving has transformed the tree brought down in storms last year into a beautiful tribute to HM The Queen”.

The carving was predominantly done by chainsaw and power tools but is stain-based and treated with Danish oil.

Jonathan Sherwood, of Sherwood Carving, said:

“It was very enjoyable to carve something in commemoration of the late Queen.

“The work was challenging due to the nature of the wood, but I’m glad it will be enjoyed for years to come”.

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