Hare-y Kane makes New Lawn debut

The 5ft sculpture is a part of the Cotswolds AONB Hare Trail and will be positioned outside the League Two side’s stadium throughout the event, which runs until September 9th 2018.

Hare-y Kane has been painted in FGR livery by local artist Sarah Davis. The design celebrates FGR’s fans, club colours, and achievements, as well as its unique green credentials – with imagery referencing the club’s status as the world’s only vegan football club, the wildflower meadow outside the ground, and the National League Promotion Final trophy, which FGR won last year.

Artist Sarah Davis said: “I’m really pleased with how he’s come out actually because it was quite a demanding design with a lot of detail.

“It certainly does encapsulate the club and it’s quite an interesting mixture really as it shows how unique the club is, that it has these different features that can all be built into a hare!”

Helen Taylor, Forest Green chief executive said: “I love him, I think he’s amazing, he’s really bright and he’s looking really proud of being here at Forest Green Rovers.”

Cotswolds Hare Trail festival director, Florence Beetlestone said: “I’m delighted that Forest Green Rovers and Ecotricity have supported the trail. We’re obviously part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, raising awareness of green issues and this hare could not be greener!”

Organisers have teamed up with The Cotswolds Conservation Board this year to help conserve and enhance the special qualities of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Last year the trail raised around £60,000 through a charity auction and was a huge hit with families throughout the summer.

Hare-y Kane has been painted by Sarah Davis, a local stained glass artist based in Slimbridge. The majority of Sarah’s work is focused on creating original glass panels, hangings and windows based on her own designs. Her pieces often follow natural themes in abstract and figurative styles. Sarah’s work uses traditional stained glass techniques, sometimes combined with modern methods such as fusing and sandblasting, to produce unique modern designs.

Sarah was involved in the trail last year and is painting two hares this year, having also designed ‘Alfred’s Orchard Hare’ which is on display at the National Perry Pear Centre, in Hartpury, sponsored by the high sheriff of Gloucestershire, Charles Martell.

You can find out more about Sarah’s work at www.sarahdavisglass.co.uk. 

Net profits raised by the charity auction go towards the Cotswolds AONB. To find out more visit www.cotswoldsharetrail.org.uk.