Willow Sculptures at Parndon Wood: Growth and Transformation through Public Art
How has Place To Be impacted Harlow?
Visitors to Parndon Wood Nature Reserve in Harlow, Essex can now encounter something new among the trees: three large-scale willow sculptures representing growth and transformation. Place To Be is a public art piece created by the community of Harlow.
Designed to feel like sanctuaries in the woods, these sculptures rise from the forest floor with strength, balance, and organic softness.
Artist Eloise Pilbeam with abstract willow sculptures at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
Sculptures Shaped by Sanctuary and Balance
Each willow form has its own character and rhythm. Together, they create a dialogue of shapes: tall and grounded, flowing, firm, feminine and strong. They are abstract guardians of the woodland, encouraging pause and presence.
These shapes are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt—reminders of balance, power and the comfort of sanctuary.
Participants weaving large willow sculptures at Place To Be community art workshop in Parndon Wood Nature Reserve.
Weaving as a Meditative Community Process
The act of weaving lies at the heart of this project.
Participants are invited to take part in the making process, leaving their mark on the sculptures. Weaving is rhythmic, grounding and meditative. It allows us to slow down, relax and focus on the present moment—offering a comforting connection to ourselves and to each other.
“Lose yourself wholly and the more you lose, the more you’ll find.” – Catherine of Siena
Through weaving, participants often discover this truth for themselves—finding calm, connection and creativity in the act of letting go and entering a state of creative flow.
Rooted in Place: Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
The location of Place To Be is as important as the sculptures themselves. Parndon Wood is an ancient woodland, rich with biodiversity, history, and tranquillity.
By installing the sculptures here, the woodland deepens the meaning of the project—while the community’s creativity reflects to the natural rhythms of the environment.
Why Place To Be Matters
The project shows shows how art can grow stronger community, environment and wellbeing.
These willow sculptures showed how a woodland can transform into a living art piece - evolving sanctuaries.
After this weekend the sculptures will be installed on sight for a year for visitors to enjoy.
