A SOMERSET musician is raising awareness about the condition of the Willow Man by writing an original song. 

Barry Walsh wrote a song for the outdoor sculpture, created by Serena de la Hey, and based on the M5 Motorway, near Bridgwater.

The 40-feet sculpture, made of black maul willow over a 3-tonne steel frame, was unveiled back in 2000 to promote the role of willow on the Somerset Levels.

Mr Walsh said: “We have all driven on the M5 motorway and passed the Willow Man. But now the old fella is looking somewhat tired and haggard. His head is just a stick, it’s in terrible condition.”

It is for this reason that musician Barry Walsh recently wrote an original song called the ‘Willow Man’ to raise awareness of its plight.

The sculptor Serena De La Hey will make a statement regarding the future of the Willow Man in the spring of this year.

Somerset-based singer/songwriter Barry Walsh is known for his songs about the West Country such as ‘Porlock Hill’ and ‘The Queen of Clovelly’, and his music is frequently played on BBC Radio and Worldwide Internet radio.

Mr Walsh said he has received positive feedback about the sculpture, which is “known by so many”.

He added: “I thought it was just me who thought when driving past, ‘I am almost home’”.

Below is the video of the song Mr Walsh wrote about the Willow Man.

You can find all his music on YouTube and Facebook: barrywalshuk.