Published Monday 7 September 2026 at 8:58
You’re being invited to have your say on plans for a striking new public artwork at a gateway to the West Pennine Moors in Darwen.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know:
What’s being proposed?
‘Curlew Calling’ is a four-metre-high sculpture of a curlew – one of the moorland’s most distinctive and increasingly threatened bird species.
The sculpture has been designed by Darwen-based artist Marjan Wouda.
Where would it be?
The proposed location is beside the popular walking route from the Sunnyhurst Pub up to Darwen’s iconic Jubilee Tower.
A number of potential locations have been considered, with the preferred site identified following discussions with Natural England.
Here is a map showing you where it could be:
Has the proposal been fully assessed?
Yes. Over the past year, the artist has carried out extensive work to assess the project’s financial feasibility, environmental considerations, technical requirements, ground conditions and installation and maintenance requirements.
Now it is time for you to have your say.
Who is involved?
Marjan has worked with local engineering and fabrication specialists WEC Group to develop the design.
As with the Darwen Spitfire Memorial in the town centre, there are plans for apprentices to be involved in fabricating the sculpture, giving them valuable hands-on experience of delivering a major public art project.
How would it be funded?
Marjan also successfully secured funding from Arts Council England to develop the proposal.
Subject to public support and the necessary approvals, funding support has been identified in principle from Destination Darwen – part of the Darwen Town Deal – and Darwen Town Council.
Why a curlew?
The curlew is strongly associated with the moorland landscape around Darwen.
The sculpture aims to celebrate this distinctive species, while encouraging people to stop, look and appreciate the wildlife and landscape on their doorstep.
It would also create a new landmark and help attract more visitors to Darwen, supporting local businesses and the wider Destination Darwen programme, which includes the upgrades of routes up through the town’s parks on to the moors and to the Tower.
What happens next?
Your views, the views of fellow residents and visitors will help determine whether the project progresses.
If consultation feedback is positive, the proposal will move forward to the formal permissions stage, including planning approval and any other necessary consents.
No final decision has been made.
Have your say
If you live in Darwen or regularly visit the moors, we want to hear what you think.
Please complete this short online survey now.
It only takes a few minutes to fill in and your views will help make a difference.
If you’d prefer, paper copies will be available to complete at Darwen Library.
Marjan will also be hosting drop-in sessions where you can speak to her and find out more about the project.
These will take place on:
- Darwen Library – Wednesday, September 23rd– 1pm to 3pm
- Darwen Market – Saturday, September 26th– 9:30am to 11:30am
The consultation will run for four weeks from Monday, September 7 to midnight on Monday, October 5.