Three Oaks Tree Gets Second Life as Stunning Wooden Benches
Highways England has unveiled striking wooden benches crafted from the once-mighty Three Oaks tree, placed in a scenic green space for everyone to enjoy. The oak was sadly felled for safety reasons as part of a £24 million upgrade to the congested A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout in Northamptonshire.
From Fallen Oak to Masterpiece
Despite all efforts, the beloved Three Oaks tree could not be saved. But woodcarver Carrie Yuen worked her magic, turning the three trunks into unique, hand-carved benches. These beautiful artworks celebrate the local wildlife and keep the tree’s spirit alive.
The benches were officially handed over to Mayor Councillor Tina Reavey at Castle Fields, Higham Ferrers, complementing the Timber Trim Trail being developed by the town council.
Mayor Praises Tribute to Local Wildlife
“I am truly honoured to unveil these benches so skilfully carved by Carrie, depicting the wildlife around the Three Oaks. It was a shame the much-loved tree had to be removed, but this tribute is fitting,” said Mayor Reavey.
Huge thanks to everyone involved—Ground Control, Highways England, Carnell, and Justina Bryan, whose campaign helped save the tree’s legacy.
“Come and see the stunning benches for yourself—I’m sure you’ll be as thrilled as I am.”
Local Praise for the Legacy Project
Highways England’s Construction Assurance Manager Dave Marlow added: “These benches are fantastic works of art that the community will admire for generations. We’re glad the Three Oaks’ unique legacy lives on, even if the tree itself couldn’t.”
“Thanks to the town council for finding the perfect home and giving the tree a second life.”
Wildlife Themes Carved in Wood
- Bench One: Features animals like foxes, badgers, rabbits, squirrels, owls, moles and mice that once lived around the tree.
- Bench Two: Showcases butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and bats flitting in the branches.
- Bench Three: Depicts bugs native to the oak’s habitat such as caterpillars, spiders, beetles, ladybirds, worms and millipedes.
Smaller carvings of owls and mushrooms, crafted from leftover wood, will help raise funds for the Mayor’s charities. Branches have also been gifted to Stanwick Lakes to aid local wildlife habitats.
Major Roadworks and Environmental Gains
The Chowns Mill junction is being revamped with a half hamburger layout, new link roads, and widened lanes to ease congestion. Highways England plans to plant up to 1,500 trees and create wildflower meadows, boosting local biodiversity alongside the £24 million road improvements.
Contractor Ground Control covered the costs of transporting and carving the benches, ensuring the Three Oaks tree’s memory lives on in a beautiful and practical way.
