For nearly 50 years the Canley Kangaroo stood by the entrance to Henry Parkes primary school. Being life size, the Kangaroo was an imposing statue that surprised many visitors. Why would a Kangaroo be sitting outside a school in the middle of England? But 'Skippy' was just a reminder that Sir Henry Parkes, who was born in Canley in 1815, made a massive contribution to helping ordinary people after he emigrated to Australia.
Sadly 'Skippy' was viciously attacked in the mid 1990's. The statue was smashed beyond repair by vandals, leaving the school without its mascot.
But all is not lost. When Canley railway station was rebuilt in 1995, a new kangaroo appeared on the outside of the booking office. Designed by the leading artist John Mckenna, the new Canley Kangaroo is a four foot high embossed panel in eye-catching blue.
Ten Shilling Wood changes its character depending on the time of the year. In the winter it looks bleak and errie when the mist hangs over the trees. But after a snowfall it appears magical with the ice crystals glistening in the sunlight.
However, the best time to visit is in May, when the woodland floor comes to life in a fabulous display of bluebells. This is an ancient woodland which means that the wild bluebells have had hundreds of years to slowly colonise every part of the wood. Bluebells like shade, so it is rare to find this wild flower in open grassland.
The changing seasons are captured in the photos, which have been taken from the same spot in the woodland, just inside the entrance from Wolfe Road.
To find out more, click the text on the photo strip where you can find the exact location for this viewpoint within Ten Shilling Wood.
