Tree of Life

Alongside the path through Boscombe's Woodland Walk stands this substantial wooden Tree of Life carving, created by chainsaw artist Tom Harvey, who works under the name Carver Harvey. He shaped it, along with several smaller wildlife pieces nearby, from timber salvaged on site.

Part of a wildlife trail

The Tree of Life serves as a kind of focal point among Harvey's carvings dotted along Woodland Walk, the tree-lined reserve that links Boscombe's high street to the clifftop above the beach. Nearby you'll also spot his peacock butterfly, woodpecker, wood mouse, stag beetle and woodlouse carvings, plus a hand-carved welcome marker, all added as part of a broader refurbishment of the reserve running from 2025 to 2026, funded through the Towns Fund and Community Infrastructure Levy, which also brought a wildlife pond, sensory garden and new signage for the nature trail.

Visiting

Set in open parkland with no gates or entry fee, the sculpture can be seen free of charge at any time. It works well as a starting point for exploring Woodland Walk, can be combined with the nearby peacock butterfly carving, or fits into a wider day out using our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.

Tree of Life good to know

What exactly is the Tree of Life sculpture in Boscombe?

It's a sizeable wooden sculpture cut with a chainsaw by artist Tom Harvey, standing as the centrepiece among the wildlife carvings placed along Woodland Walk, the nature reserve connecting Boscombe's high street to the clifftop above the beach.

Who is responsible for carving the Tree of Life?

Chainsaw sculptor Tom Harvey, working under the name Carver Harvey, produced this and a series of wildlife carvings from wind-fallen timber along Woodland Walk, including a peacock butterfly, woodpecker, wood mouse, stag beetle and woodlouse, plus a hand-carved welcome sign alongside the larger Tree of Life piece.

Does it cost anything to see the sculpture?

No, it stands in open parkland along Woodland Walk with no charge for admission, so it can be viewed at any time while walking through the reserve.

Whereabouts can it be found?

It's positioned beside the path running through Woodland Walk Nature Reserve in Boscombe, the wooded route linking the high street with the clifftop and Overcliff Drive above the beach.