A FEW years ago the idea of enjoying what is now known as environmental art would have made most naturalists laugh.

Thankfully things have changed.

Many nature reserves, schools and industries, have allowed artists working in wood or iron to brighten up our environment.

In the grounds of a Manchester paint company, I followed a nature trail along which wooden seats were carved in the shape of the winged seeds of a sycamore.

On the banks of the River Darwen in Witton Park, Blackburn, a set of iron gates have been wonderfully sculpted to show animals of the waterside.

At Beacon Fell, near Preston, the footpaths around the visitor centre feature magnificent and very large wooden carvings.

I would be interested to hear from readers who have seen their own favourite examples of environmental art.

Any photographs would be used and returned.