Angharad Ffion Martin
The Red Squirrels Trust Wales
& Magical Mammals
Commission and Micro-residency
These special commissions embed the selected artists and creatives within their host organisations - inspiring creativity and exchange. The commissioned work was presented during the 2026 Aberlleiniog Sculpture Trail.
The Start
Angharad is learning about the complex and intertwined ecosystems of our most local environment - the Aberlleiniog woodland. She is creating a series of animal forms, light and sound sculptures created from natural and foraged materials, covered with semi-translucent naturally preserved leaves.
She has been experimenting with light and the translucency of leaves, layering colours and forms. Her animal forms will be covered in a beautiful skin of these preserved and illuminated leaves.
Workshop Session
She had a fruitful session with Debbie at Wispy Willow Creations, learning about materials and form, refining her skills and learning new techniques.
Works in Progress
She is completing her first sculptures - using a wide variety of textures, methods and materials to share the expressiveness and individuality of our woodland species. She is finalising the inner lighting systems for the sculptures, to illuminate the full range of colours of their leafy skin.
‘Illuminating Conservation’ by Angharad Ffion Martin
natural found materials, lighting, sound, 2026
First presented at the 2026 Aberlleiniog Sculpture Trail in Llangoed. Angharad created illuminated sculptures celebrating the mammals and birds of Lleiniog Woods. Crafted from fallen wood, stitched leaves, and woven willow and reeds, each piece glows from within. The series highlights local species — woodpeckers, red squirrels and bats — some under threat, emphasising the importance of protecting this unique ecosystem. (click to view full screen)
‘Illuminating Conservation’ a dusk walk
On Saturday 28 March, 2026 Angharad Ffion Martin and Craig Shuttleworth from Red Squirrels Trust Wales lead a group through the woodlands to visit the animal sculptures at dusk. A celebration the mammals and birds of Lleiniog Woods Angharad and Craig spoke about the creation of the works and the ecosystems of the woodlands. Crafted from fallen wood, stitched leaves, and woven willow and reeds, each piece glows from within.
