SOME of the biggest names in the world of sculpture have been setting up their works in the lush surroundings of Eastnor Castle this week.

The peace of the open lawns, woods and lakesides around the Herefordshire stately home has been broken by the sound of lorries and cranes bringing in some of the works of art.

Sculpture In The Wild, which opens to the public on Sunday (July 1), is the first time the castle's grounds have been used for such an exhibition.

The event was conceived by Sarah Hervey-Bathurst, the owner of the castle, and Nick Stephens, custodian of Hellens, the historic house at Much Marcle, who is also a sculptor himself.

The castle and its arboretum will form a fantastic backdrop and a unique setting for abstract and traditional sculpture.

William Pye, Oliver Barratt, Peter Randall-Page, John Maine, Paul Day, Ralph Brown, Neville Gabie and Lucy Casson are some of the 27 sculptors whose pieces will be on display.

The titles of the pieces range from Asymmetrical Frustrum III by John Mitchell, to Portrait of the Artist as a Young Serviceman by Peter Nicholas.

Cornish granite, copper, bronze and stoneware ceramic are among the materials used.

One of the exhibits was directly inspired by the castle's surroundings. Philip Bews, based in the Forest of Dean, said: "I made a group of deer sculptures keeping in mind their magnificent location in the arboretum. The red deer depicted refer to the herd in the deer park across the valley and the sculptures, constructed from mainly oak and beech branches, relate also to the spectacular surrounding trees. The carefully selected branches create an animated outline image of these animals - almost like drawing with wood."

Sculpture in the Wild runs until Sunday, July 29. There is no charge other than the standard admission fee to the grounds.