ELEPHANTS have been spotted roaming a country park for the first time in half a million years, thanks to an art project which is bringing the distant past to life.
Metal sculptures of adult and calf straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) have been installed at Ryton Pools Country Park.
They were created to help bring to life the geological history of the Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme area at Ryton Pools, and reflect important palaeontological finds made on the site during quarrying.
Pieces of neck bone, tooth and tusk of these elephants, which lived in the area around half a million years ago, were all found in nearby sand quarries.
The sculptures were a collaboration between wood and metalwork artist Spencer Jenkins and Artfabs Ltd.
A launch event was held to unveil the sculptures along with their names, as voted by the public. The adult is called Ryton and the calf is called Bubbenhall, in reference to the local woodlands nearby.
A variety of prehistoric and ice age-themed family activities were also held, including making salt dough bone necklaces and elephant masks.
The Dunsmore Living Landscape project aims to restore the ancient landscape to one rich in wildlife and accessible to all. The project team runs a range of events and activities designed to reconnect people with their local living landscape, green spaces and heritage sites.
