AN arts-science sculptor who lives in the Forest has unveiled his latest art work in a park beside Cheltenham’s GCHQ.

Called Listening Dragon, Ellwood-based Rob Olins’ creation in King George V Playing Fields features two white sound mirrors and pieces of wood in concrete blocks.

He wants the £32,000 piece to show part of the largely subterranean ‘dragon’ listening to what is going on around it, with the sound mirrors able to transmit speech loudly to each other.

A plaque at the site says: “Sound mirrors were one of GCHQ’s first projects which were used to track enemy airships off the east coast of Britain during the First World War.

“They were known as ‘Listening Ears’ and were a forerunner of radar, using sound waves rather than radio waves, to locate an attack.”

The work was commissioned by Cheltenham Borough Council, who partly funded it along with the Hester’s Way Partnership, The Summerfield Trust and Markey Developments LLP.

The dragon consists of grassy mounds, with a tail, nostrils and sound mirrors that create a whispering effect.

Hester’s Way Partnership spokesperson Andy Hayes said: “The mounds represent the dragon’s back, appearing as if from below the surface of the soil.

“The raised wooden pieces on the centre of each mound represent its backbone.”

“Sound mirrors are Rob Olins’ speciality. The design will have two concave mirrors. You talk into one and the sound bounces onto the other, making a whispering sound.”

Mr Olins’ previous commissions include work for Cambridge University and in Berkley Square in London.

He says he worked with Craig Martin and his team at CM Contracting based in the Forest of Dean to build what was "a very tricky and specialist job." Mr Olins adds that the new artwork “will increase park usage drawing in previously under represented user groups who can enjoy the seclusion of the seating and wonderful views.

“The art installation will encourage active play and its sound reflective feature is designed to be accessible.”