Artists, illustrators and designers are being invited to submit proposals to create a series of character designs for a new family-friendly sculpture trail in Hilsea’s Foxes Forest in Hilsea.
The characters will be carved into wooden sculptures by a specialist chainsaw artist and will also feature in trail maps, signage and promotional material in a 1.5km trail to encourage families to explore the area’s rich wildlife, heritage and green spaces through a creative outdoor experience.
Foxes Forest sits within the historic Hilsea Lines, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and conservation area, and is Portsmouth’s only island woodland.
The wider northern shoreline is currently being transformed by a series of improvements and major infrastructure projects, including the new sea defences which are being created along Ports Creek, which are due to be completed in summer 2026.
Alongside the scheme, work has been completed to enhance the historic moat running through Hilsea Lines which will improve water quality and support long‑term ecological health.
These developments come as the refurbished Hilsea Lido is also set to reopen in May this year, creating an increasingly vibrant destination along Portsmouth’s northern coastline.
This new sculpture trail forms part of Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to supporting culture, creativity and community wellbeing, delivering on the City Vision goals of fostering a healthy and happy city and a city rich in culture and creativity.
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Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “With the refurbished Hilsea Lido reopening this year, improvements to the historic moat, and the continued progress of the new coastal defences, Portsmouth’s northern shoreline is becoming a real destination for both the city’s residents and visitors to the area.
“The new sculpture trail will create an engaging and family‑friendly way for people to enjoy this special outdoor space, celebrate local wildlife and heritage, and connect with culture in the heart of our natural landscape.”
The council hopes to appoint a local creative for the project, supporting the city’s artistic community while enhancing one of Portsmouth’s most treasured green spaces. Applications close on April 9 at 5pm with installation planned for later in the summer to coincide with the completion of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.
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