If you go down to the woods today you could be in for a big surprise.

Carvings - Ash and Stella Steward with four of the sculptures Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Bears, badgers, birds and squirrels now populate the area of North Benfleet Wood - but tiny tots do not need to be afraid, the animals are all made of wood.

The four creatures are all sculptures donated to the Castle Point Wildlife Action Group after they had pride of place at a craft fair staged last August by the Castle Point Arts Group.

Graham Ash, project coordinator of the wildlife conservation group, said: "The animals have all been put in place in the wood and they look very good.

"The bear is about two feet tall and so is the squirrel, although the bird is only 18 inches tall."

Published Tuesday January 13, 2004

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