Here's why a 'sphere' has been installed in a Hereford park

The metal sculpture, known as an Armillary Sphere, is based on an original ancient Greek design, and has been placed in Aylestone Park.

The Greeks thought it demonstrated how the sun and stars moved around the earth.

It is also known as a Shadow Clock as you can tell the time by the shadow of the arrow.

The sculpture is based on an original ancient Greek design

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The piece was made by local blacksmiths at Hereford Make CIC, who also collaborated with student blacksmiths from Herefordshire and Ludlow College to come up with the design, which had a local theme.

The sculpture was built using local materials, colours, and features.

Guy Milton, lead designer from Hereford Make CIC, said: "Working with students from the college we wanted the design to really represent Herefordshire, hence the apple at the very centre.

"Normally the earth sits in the centre of an Armillary Sphere but, as the apple represents a key industry here in Herefordshire, it was fitting to put it at the centre of our design."

The piece was commissioned by the Aylestone Park Association and funded by insurance firm Partners&, with other local firms helping towards the construction of the plinth it sits on.

Aylestone Park was protected for future generations by a group of volunteers in 2012.

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They successfully lobbied to have the park listed as a Queen Elizabeth Field in Trust, meaning it is protected in perpetuity and can never be developed.

The 47-acre site receives no government funding and is maintained by a group of eight regular volunteers.

Chairman of the association Alastair Gibbs said:" The Aylestone Park Association is grateful to Partners&, and other local firms, for the creation and installation of the sculpture as it will be a lasting legacy for all who visit the park.

"The park is a sanctuary for many, from providing a place of solace and freedom during the lockdowns over the past two years, to providing a daily destination to the many dog walkers and families who enjoy it all year round.

"The volunteers and I work hard to keep the park looking nice for the public and we are very proud to have our very first piece of field art installed."