ICONIC feature of the Sculpture Trail in the Forest, 'Place', the title of the giant chair which towers over the Cannop Valley, may soon have to be destroyed.

Initially set for a stay of a few months, the structure, which was created by Magdalena Jetelova, has now stood for almost thirty years.

In a statement, the Sculpture Trust, which operates the trail, said: "Magdalena Jetelova's iconic work 'Place', which has affectionately become known as the Giant's Chair, is to be decommissioned later this year. The artwork was installed in 1986 and was originally only intended to last a short time before being set on fire. Instead the artwork has remained on its hilltop position for 29 years and has captivated millions of visitors from all over the world.

"Over the years trees have soared around the sculpture and now tower over the artwork. Despite efforts to extend its life, the sculpture has begun to tilt and will eventually collapse.

"Over the years many sculptures have come and gone on the trail. Some have been removed for safety reasons, others have been reclaimed by the Forest, overgrown or degraded into the ground. As the older sculptures come to the end of their life, new artworks appear."

But a hitch in the removal of the sculpture, and it being burned to make charcoal, may lie in the fact that it has been reported that there are bats nesting within cracks in the giant timbers.

The trust said: "Magdalena Jetelova's work has not just attracted humans, but also bats who have said to be roosting in the sculpture for many years. Ecologists are carrying out a survey to find out more about the bats living in the sculpture this summer and ensure that they will be given a safe and long term home nearby."

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust is planning a special commemorative project to celebrate the history of place, more details about this project will be announced soon. They are keen to hear from anyone with recollections of the sculpture and are asking for contributions of videos, photos and memories to [email protected]">[email protected].