PUPILS from Severn View Primary Academy and Stroud Valley Community School will be laying the first stage of a biodegradable sculpture trail in the woods behind Summer Crescent.

They will be making their contributions to the trail this Friday, then on Saturday local people are invited to visit the woods and build on what the children have created.

"We are looking forward to having artistic contributions from local children and adults adorning our special local woodland," said Kesty Jakes, who co-owns the wood with Martin Jakes.

Martin said: "We received some funding from Stroud Town Council's Arts and Culture Fund, for which we are very grateful. It will help provide materials , publicity and also a picnic for the school children.

"We also have had a variety of fairies donated by Fortune Faeries in the High Street.

"Working on the old adage of 'Take only photographs, and leave only footprints', we felt it was important to create something beautiful but that would ultimately leave no trace."

Some of the inspiration for the project came from a visit to the Twinberrow Woods sculpture trail above Dursley.

Adrienne Robertson, outdoor learning coordinator at Severn View Primary Academy said: "This is a real creative challenge for the children.

"We will be laying a trail of symbols from the school to the woods, and there will be another trail coming from Stroud Valley.

"We are looking forward to making some community connections as well as having fun in nature."

Mark Scott of Stroud Valley Community School said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to be able to participate in a project that combines interesting art and a connection to the wider community."

Organisers warn visitors that they may find unusual things hanging from the trees and lurking in the undergrowth.

Follow signs from the entrance to Summer Crescent play park.

For more information from Martin and Kesty Jakes email sladebankwoods@yahoo.co.uk or call 01453 766519.