A towering four-metre-high woven willow sculpture of a periwinkle has become the talk of Medmerry Nature Reserve, dividing opinion while drawing attention and acclaim from both locals and visitors. Installed to mark the reserve’s tenth anniversary, the artwork has sparked a mix of admiration and amusement due to its resemblance to a popular emoji.
The sculpture, funded by sponsorships, including support from Southern Water as part of Chichester District Council’s Culture Spark initiative, has not cost taxpayers directly. Yet, its £6,000 price tag has drawn criticism in some quarters, with The Sun dubbing it “a waste of taxpayers’ money.” Despite this, residents have rallied to defend the project, celebrating its cultural and ecological significance.
A Community Embraces Its Symbol
Local resident Izabela Mayne described the sculpture as “absolutely stunning—a beautiful and thought-provoking symbol of our unique coastline, blending art, nature, and conservation.” Medmerry Nature Reserve, established in 2013 as Europe’s largest coastal realignment scheme, is renowned for its tranquil beauty and commitment to environmental restoration.
“The Periwinkle is a remarkable addition to this amazing place,” added Diana Strange, whose family has farmed in the area for decades. “The windows in the sculpture, including one shaped like a marsh harrier, provide spectacular views of the ever-changing skies and wetlands. It’s a place where you can truly connect with nature.”
Melissa Sharp, a fine art student at West Dean College, argued that the controversy has served the sculpture well. “As Rodin said, ‘All in nature is beautiful.’ Art should evoke an emotive response, whether good or bad. It gets people talking, and that’s the point. The Sun commenting on art is like Gardeners’ World discussing cryptocurrency!”
Highlighting Larger Issues
The sculpture’s unintended association with waste has drawn attention to an ongoing challenge in the region: sewage pollution in coastal waters. Carolyn Cobbold, Project Leader for the Manhood Peninsula Partnership, noted that if the artwork inadvertently raises awareness about environmental issues, then it might achieve an impact beyond its original purpose.
Located at the southwest edge of Medmerry Nature Reserve, the Periwinkle Shelter offers visitors panoramic views of the wetlands and serves as a hub for reflection, conversation, and community engagement.
Despite the divided opinions, the sculpture has undoubtedly achieved one goal: putting Medmerry firmly in the spotlight, while offering a creative tribute to the reserve’s decade-long journey in conservation and ecological renewal.
