Coccolith

Inspired by the oceanic planktonic life forms, including Radiolaria and Coccolithophores, that over 65 million years ago, formed the foundations of the North Downs Way and Surrey Chalk Hills.

This ‘Inspiring Views’ commission, taking the form of a coccolith, is built using traditional dry-stone wall techniques using a hand picked selection of locally sourced iron-stone rock from the Tistey Estate and white lias, which contains ‘clunch’ (chalk).

In ‘the round’ a set of 5 cantilever ‘style step’ seats, each engraves to read BUILT UPON TIME AND TIDE, inviting walkers and visitors to rest up and admire the surroundings and contemplate the form of the very ground in which they walk.

The coccolith is a multi-species artwork, inviting nature to also take hold and find its home within it. Over 100 plugs of wild thyme, thrift and stonecrop have been planted along the top of the sculpture and it is hoped that over time, these will grow and thrive, giving not only a soft natural edge to the stone, but also increase biodiversity and attract wildlife.

Photos courtesy of @john_miller_photography