Dexter Dymoke's 'Ambush'. © Forestry Commission

Sculptures by two contemporary artists are to be installed at Grizedale Forest on Tuesday May 20 2008, with the help of two tree surgeons.

The experts are being brought in to the South Cumbrian forest to help put the giant sculptures in place – 7.6 metres (25 feet) up in the tree tops.

Emerging artists Dexter Dymoke and Rebecca Johnson have developed the works as part of the new 'HUNT' exhibition on the Ridding Wood Trail of sculptures.

Dexter's work, 'Ambush', turns a forked tree into a 6.9 metre (20-feet) catapult, while Rebecca's piece, 'Second in a Series of Attempts', creates the impression that birds' nests have been mysteriously dropped into the trees by parachute.

"We're delighted to be presenting these new works at Grizedale," said Hayley Skipper, Arts Development Officer for the Forestry Commission at Grizedale. "Both are witty, imaginative pieces that aim to encourage visitors to look more closely at the natural environment of the trail as well as the sculptures along it."

Rebecca Johson's 'Second in a Series of Attempts'. © Forestry Commission

The Ridding Wood Trail was designed as an accessible public sculpture trail in 1990, and is the most popular route around the forest. It is now being reinvigorated by new artworks, beginning with HUNT, which will encourage visitors to come and hunt for tree-top sculptures.

HUNT will be launched on May 26 2008, in time for the half-term school holiday.

Grizedale Forest is already home to more than 60 sculptures, including works by Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Harris. Earlier this year, the Forestry Commission appointed its first ever Arts Development Officer, artist Hayley Skipper, at Grizedale.

The new Arts Development programme is part of the wider Grizedale Project, a £5 million scheme to improve the visitor experience and local economy. For more information, see www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland.