A stunning piece of landscape art – a legacy of the Tour de France – will have its official launch next month.
Swoop, on a hillside overlooking Elland, depicts a flock of starlings in flight.
The abstract work, by Hebden Bridge-based artist Jane Revitt, was commissioned by Yorkshire Festival 2014 ahead of the Grand Depart through Kirklees and Calderdale last July.
The flying pattern of the 560 birds is designed to reflect the sweeping movement of the cyclists’ peloton where riders flock together to save energy.
The official launch, on May 1, coincides with the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, which returns to the district and passes close by two days later.
Situated on a former landfill site and made from recycled plastic, the permanent installation measures 150 metres long and 65 metres from top to bottom.
It is also intended to be environmentally symbolic, highlighting the plight of starlings, which have seen a 66% decline in their numbers since the mid-1970s, and are now protected.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch 2015 confirms that starlings in gardens are down 80% since 1979.
Swoop will be launched from the official vantage point at Elland Working Men’s Club, at a time to be confirmed.
It will be attended by the artist, Kedel Ltd, the family firm that made the starlings, and members of Calderdale Young Farmers, led by Andrew Wood, who installed the artwork over five days.
Children will be invited to make bird feeders and starling models in activities led by the RSPB.
Jane said: “I chose a flock of birds to suggest the speed and movement of the peloton.
“Starlings were the obvious choice as they are known for their dramatic flock formations. A flock of starlings is called a murmuration.
“Unfortunately the starling is in decline but despite this there have been sightings of murmerations recently near the site.”
There are nine different designs of birds varying in size from one metre to two metres from head to tail.
The young farmers worked from a plan, guided by Jane on walkie-talkie from various vantage points.
“The young farmers were great and worked extremely hard,” added Jane.
Robin Tuddenham, director of communities and service support for Calderdale Council and vice-chairman of the Yorkshire Festival Steering Group, said the spirit of the Tour de France was alive and well.
He added: “This year’s Tour de Yorkshire provides the opportunity to be part of something special once more and Jane Revitt’s artwork marks the legacy of the Tour de France.
“Swoop sits majestically on reclaimed land above Elland providing a permanent reminder of our local strengths – Calderdale’s beautiful countryside and magnificent culture.”
Swoop has been funded through the Landfill Communities Fund with landfill tax credits.
