TEN sculptures which will soon be linked by a digital app have been unveiled in a Co Down forest as part of a new visitor trail.
A massive fox and large green fantasy-themed statue are among the pieces of artwork erected recently in Hillsborough Forest Park.
They are part of a digital sculpture trail being developed in the forest by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, which has taken over responsibility for tourism and recreation at the site.
The council aims to "develop the forest into a first class, innovative and natural recreational area for residents and visitors".
The 10 sculptures will be linked by a digital app that will bring together augmented reality stories from internationally acclaimed artists alongside information on the area.
The council says the installation aims to "showcase and promote the distinct agricultural, cultural, history, heritage, natural and environmental attributes of Hillsborough Village, the forest and the wider area".
It is also part of the council’s overall Hillsborough Tourism Masterplan and emerging City Deal Programme, to further develop the Co Down village as a key visitor destination.
The project has already seen the upgrading of the infrastructure works at the forest, including improvements to existing forest paths, an upgraded car park, new picnic area, bridges, seating and viewing decks around the lake.
New signage and interpretive panels have also been erected as well as a new woodland play area for children of all abilities along with public toilets.
