COILLTE has allocated 600 acres at Devil's Glen Wood, near Ashford, Co Wicklow, towards the creation of an open air, wooden, sculpture park. The first phase of the "Sculpture in Woodlands" project will involve the creation of three sculptures by Irish artists and three by international artists. The first of these should be installed by the end of this year, although the plan involves a five year development programme to turn the area into an international centre of sculpture, with full visitor facilities.

Donal Magner, chairman of the organising committee, says that the park will create a greater awareness of wood as an artistic medium, as well as allowing creative artists to "respond in new ways to the natural environment". Seeding money of £5,000 has already been handed over by the Co Council but now, however, the fund raising begins in earnest. Further information from Gerry Sheridan on 0404-40185.