A WILLOW sculpture of a rare Lady's Slipper Orchid is one of the new attractions unveiled at Kilnsey Park.

Kilnsey is one of the few places in the Yorkshire Dales National Park where the rare orchid is found, and the sculpture, created by Wetherby based artist, Leilah Vyner, forms part of a new art trail.

Also in the trail is a leaping fish, by Wensleydale chainsaw sculptor, Andris Bergs, and interpretation signs, designed by illustrator Gary Davies.

The ten signs detail the history of the park and its wildlife, while a new geocache - a high tech form of treasure hunting - trail uses linocut prints by Hester Cox from Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Her evocative images capture the essence of the park, including the view of the lakes with the magnificent Kilnsey Crag in the background.

The project has also included the creation of new map for visitors to use, made possible in part by a grant of £9,882 from the national park's Sustainable Development Fund.

Kilnsey Park attracts around 45,000 visitors a year to enjoy a range of activities including fishing, walking, pony rides and cycling.

Estate owner Jamie Roberts said it had been a pleasure to work with so artists from the area. “With this new project we want visitors to experience a sense of wonder about what makes this area of the Dales so special,"he said.

"From the awesome natural landmark of Kilnsey Crag to the smallest bee at the hive and everything in between, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”

Carl Lis, chairman of the national park, said an important part of the work of the authority was to promote the Dales as a sustainable tourism destination.

"These new artworks and interpretation boards make Kilnsey Park an even more distinctive place to visit. I salute Jamie and his team for their imagination and investment.”

Andris Bergs, who has been creating chainsaw sculptures across the country for 16 years, said: “The trout sculpture was carved from a willow tree. I worked closely with the fishermen, so each time they caught a trout I was able to look at it and take inspiration for the carving. Fortunately the tree stumps were just the right shape to be turned into leaping fish.”

More details about the Sustainable Development Fund can be found on the National Park Authority website at yorkshiredales.org.uk/sdf .

1. l-r, Andres Bergs, Carl Lis, Jamie Roberts and Hester Cox gather round new interpretation panel

2. Jamie Roberts and Carl Lis

3. New sculptures

Please credit Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.