Two tree stumps in the West Street cemetery and Gostrey Meadow are to be carved by a specialist tree carver at a cost of “no more than £8,000”.

Farnham town councillors are expected to sign off the budget for the works at tonight’s full council meeting.

The tree stumps have been retained from trees that had to be removed for safety reasons. The cemetery stump is eight metres tall, and the Gostrey stump six metres.

The town council has stated its preference for a local tree carver to be found, with quotes now to be sought.

It follows the example of Frensham Parish Council, which has had a number of woodland creatures carved into tree stumps on Hollowdene recreation ground.

In July 2021, a barn owl was carved into the remains of the horse chestnut tree. And then in January 2022, a red squirrel was carved into the remains of a blue cedar.

Frensham’s carvings were created by Surrey-based ‘Man and his Dog Carvings’.