Unique Brent Goose sculpture unveiled as a tribute to inspiring Castle Espie volunteer

9th October 2024

Photo caption: Paul Stewart WWT Castle Espie and willow sculpture specialist Bob Johnston at Ulster Folk Museum

A stunning new sculpture of a Light-bellied Brent Goose called ‘The Spirit of Strangford Lough’ has been unveiled at WWT Castle Espie.  Developed in collaboration with WWT Castle Espie and Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, the sculpture will not only welcome all visitors to the WWT Castle Espie visitor centre in Comber but is a fitting tribute in memory of much respected WWT volunteer George Boyd.

The hand-crafted sculpture was constructed in public view at the Ulster Folk Museum by willow sculpture specialist Bob Johnston, whose previous work includes the ‘Deadly Dragons’, which can be seen at the Ulster Museum. Taking three months to construct the sculpture is solid and is woven from 7 different varieties of willow. The artist’s planning process included sourcing the right materials to ensure the Brent Goose distinct marking was correct, referring to a life-size drawing and a pose that he could work to in its construction and ultimately how it would hang from the visitor centre ceiling at Castle Espie.

The ‘The Spirit of Strangford Lough’ sculpture unveiling also marks the start of the migration of 25,000 Light-Bellied Brent Geese who complete their 3,000-mile journey from Arctic Canada to Strangford Lough. One of the greatest wildlife highlights of the year at WWT Castle Espie, this spectacle was well-known by WWT committed volunteer George Boyd, who sadly passed away in 2019. Known for his vast knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to nature, George made a huge contribution to the work of WWT Castle Espie for more than 20 years. The sculpture was officially unveiled with George’s family in attendance.
Paul Stewart, Centre Manager, at WWT Castle Espie, said:
“We are very proud to unveil our very special collaboration with the Ulster Folk Museum. The Spirit of Strangford Lough is not only a beautiful and impressive sculpture of a Brent Goose but is a very fitting tribute to our much missed colleague George Boyd.  We hope it will inspire our visitors and encourage them to take action for a world where wetlands thrive and enrich lives, just as George did.” 

Susan Starrett, General Manager of Ulster Folk Museum said: 
“The unveiling of ‘The Spirit of Strangford Lough’ sculpture is a testament to both artistic craftsmanship and nature’s magnificence. Every day at the Ulster Folk Museum, our talented craftspeople like Bob are dedicated to preserving traditional skills and customs to ensure that the knowledge and artistry of past generations are not forgotten, but continue to thrive and inspire future generations. Our two organisations coming together this way, where Bob’s passion and dedication in hand-crafting this stunning willow piece will tell another story of passion and commitment in George, will hopefully reconnect visitors with our unique heritage and the environment and we are proud to share this moment with George’s family, WWT Castle Espie and the community.”

Remembering colleague George Boyd, John McCullough Learning Manager at WWT Castle Espie added:
“George was not only a unique volunteer but a unique human being. His interest and enthusiasm were boundless and his generosity, sense of good humour and selflessness were second to none. We fondly remember and miss George counting and identifying butterflies and anything else that crawled, swam, wriggled or flew about the reserve.”

For more further information on WWT Castle Espie visit wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie. Follow WWT Castle Espie on Facebook, X and Instagram.