Hereford's wooden art set for transplant

Wood you believe it! One of Hereford’s most famous men is about to take a break from being on display 24 hours a day in the city centre for a spot of TLC.

Mercia Man, who was created out of a diseased Beech tree at the entrance to the Gaol Street car park in Hereford city centre, has been attacked by fungus and is in need of special treatment.

The towering carving, created by artist Phillip Bews, was created when the original tree died and started to become unstable back in 2000.

Since then the 20ft tall creation has become a popular city centre landmark and attracts many visitors.

“Mercia Man is unique and we’re bowled over by how popular he has become among both locals and visitors to the city,” said Cllr Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community Services).

“However, he has suffered from further fungal attack on his roots and is now in a dangerous state,” added Cllr Stockton.

Hence the scaffolding which has enshrined the carving for the past few weeks.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 15, at 8.30am – 9am, he will be sawn off under his feet and removed by crane before being taken to a storeroom at Rotherwas where he will have a lie down for a few months.

“This will allow him to dry out before we apply various wood treatments to preserve him. This could take three-four months but should mean that he will last for a further 60 years,” added Cllr Stockton.