Giant Sculpture Trail of endangered species unveiled in Milton Keynes

The Patch MK has unveiled a new art attraction by an internationally-renowned sculptor featuring nine sculptures depicting endangered species.

Set against the backdrop of 500,000 sunflowers and over 50 million wildflowers, The Last Footprint by sculptor Erik Schmitz features nine large-scale sculptures crafted entirely from sustainable and reclaimed materials.

Each piece of the exhibition represents a species which is considered to be vulnerable to extinction in the wild. In total there are nine giant sculptures including the iconic Giant Panda, Asian Elephant, Lowland Gorilla and Black Rhinoceros.

There is also a focus on lesser-known endangered species including the Californian Condor, European Eel, Amur Leopard, Green Sea Turtle and Giant Pangolin. The sculptures form a moving tribute to the fragile beauty of the natural world and the impact each life leaves behind.

Material made for the exhibition includes timber from the Gurney family farm in Milton Keynes and off cuts donated by Linnell Bros Timber Merchants in Towcester.

In a statement, the Patch MK said, “The Last Footprint brings a new dimension to The Patch MK, a farm attraction created by Joe and Rosalyn Gurney, fourth-generation farmers who have transformed part of their land just outside Milton Keynes into a vibrant, family-focused destination.

“Each year, the couple strive to bring a unique attraction to their flower fields and this year decided to combine their passions for art and wildlife by designing the unique sculpture exhibition.”

Rosalyn Gurney said the inspiration was to create meaningful art against the backdrop of the sunflowers that have been The Patch MK’s hallmark.

Rosalyn said, “We’ve always wanted The Patch to be about more than just a fun day out. It’s about creating meaningful memories, and this installation is exactly that. It’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also thought-provoking and deeply moving. We are looking forward to seeing these imposing sculptures against the backdrop of our gorgeous sunflowers as they go through their lifecycle from bud to bloom.”

Since opening just a few years ago, The Patch MK has grown into one of the region’s most loved seasonal experiences, home to millions of flowers each summer and thousands of pumpkins in the autumn. Visitors can explore flower fields, get lost in sensory-rich maize mazes, and now, reflect on conservation through this extraordinary new installation.

Joseph added, “It’s a quiet call to notice, to remember, and to act. We were delighted to team up with Erik and see our vision brought to life. We sincerely hope it sparks meaningful conversations in every family that visits.”

The Last Footprint is the first exhibition by artist Erik Schmitz to be hosted in the United Kingdom. The German-born Spanish-raised sculptor has unveiled a litany of artworks over the years across the world.

Schmitz said, “This is more than an exhibition, it’s a moment of reflection on how precious our natural world is and all of the resources on earth. Each sculpture invites you to pause and think about what we stand to lose, and what footprints we want to leave behind.”