A pile of timber from a Shetland oil terminal will now be used as a home for woodland creatures in Aberdeen thanks to the efforts of more than 100 school pupils and an artist.
Stanley Brooks has built “The Nest” project in Maryculter Woods, using special Greenheart Wood from the Sullom Voe terminal.
The intricate structure has been designed with spaces for children to install tiny homes for insects, birds and mammals.
So far, more than 130 pupils have helped Mr Brooks – a mature student studying a Masters of Fine Art at Gray’s School of Art – on the project.
He originally developed his interest in art through his time as a coppersmith, and during his time working in the oil industry.
Mr Brooks said: “The whole project began while I was at the Sullom Voe oil terminal and discovered several tonnes of Greenheart Wood, which was destined to be buried underground and forgotten about.
“Within the space of 24 hours, I had pitched The Nest idea to the site managers, who agreed to allow me to have the wood and then began a very long and tough process of removing the wood, and getting it to Aberdeen to begin work on the installation.
“With support from my tutors at Gray’s School of Art and many other peoples, the project really began to take shape and new elements of community engagement started to steer me in different angles.
“We have now worked with more than 130 school children to create nest and bug boxes to be installed in The Nest, which will provide shelter and home to a range of wildlife.
“Originally destined for landfill, this timber now has new life, saving nature’s bounty from destruction for us all to enjoy in the wonderful setting of a community wood in Maryculter.”
The installation will be handed over to the Maryculter Woodlands Trust later this year.
