A GIANT newt statue has been fitted at Fens Pool nature reserve in Brierley Hill to commemorate the animal that saved the reserve.

Friends of the Fens Pool group secured a grant from the National Lottery in 2019 to build the sculpture then sought further funding from Brierley Hill, Brockmoor and Pensnett Community Forum for the cement base.

The 25-foot newt was created by Brierley Hill artist, Luke Perry who has also created work for Saltwells nature reserve in Netherton.

Chairman of the Friends of Fens Pool group, Mark Giles said: “Luke Perry has given the reserve a piece of artwork that, gives the Fens a welcoming feature to all visitors, we thank him immensely for his portrayal of the great crested newt and have loved watching this project grow.

“We at the group would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen, especially the national lottery, John Martin head of the chair at the community forum for the help funding of the base and Dudley MBC for all their involvement in the project and of course Luke and our members for their hard work.”

The presence of newts on the reserve ensured the site gained a Public Space Protection Order last year in a bid to tackle off-road bikers.

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MP for Dudley south, Mike Wood, said: “The Friends of the Fens Pool Nature Reserve group have done such fantastic work to improve this natural gem for the benefit of both wildlife and local people.

“This sculpture is just the next step in group's plan to put this special place on the map – giving local people even more of a reason to visit and appreciate how lucky we are to have this beautiful nature reserve right on our doorstep.

“It is great to see lottery funding making such a positive impact in our local community.

I’m looking forward to working with the group on the next stages of their ambitions, and hope that local families are able to enjoy some quality time here over the coming summer months.”

Councillor for Brockmoor and Pensnett, Judy Foster, said: “What the Friends of the Fens Group, in partnership with the Arts Council and artist Luke Perry have achieved, is amazing. The sculpture really puts Fens Pool on the map as the jewel in the crown of our borough.”