A fibreglass bear sculpture has made its summer home at Bellway’s Copperhouse Green development in Dartford as part of an art trail to support Kent-based hospice charity ellenor.
The ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ trail, inspired by the children’s book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, features 31 adult bears and more than 50 bear cubs at sites throughout the town. Each has been individually sponsored by local businesses, including Bellway, and uniquely decorated by local artists.
Children and adults can follow the trail until Sunday 13 September, after which the larger bears will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for the charity.
Local artist Megan Spencer decorated the Bellway-sponsored bear with a teddy bears’ picnic theme, so to celebrate the sculpture’s arrival at Copperhouse Green Bellway decided to host a teddy bears’ picnic of their own, providing food, sweet treats, and strawberries and cream. Plus, Bellway teddy bears and goody bags for those taking part in the trail

Carolyn Webb, Sales Manager at Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We’re proud to sponsor such a fantastic public art project and support a great cause in ellenor hospice care. Thanks to Megan Spencer, our bear is an absolute delight and perfectly encapsulates the teddy bears’ picnic theme – so much so, we had to host our own!
“Charitable engagement is central to our ethos at Bellway and we jumped at the chance to get involved in this project. It was lovely to welcome so many local people to the development and to see their smiles when they met the bear. We look forward to seeing many more following the trail and learning more about this wonderful charity.”

Jemma Guirguis, Corporate Partnerships Manager at ellenor, said: “The support of businesses like Bellway Thames Gateway is what makes We’re Going on a Bear Hunt possible. By sponsoring a bear, they’re not only helping to create a wonderful experience for families this summer, they’re also helping raise awareness of the care ellenor provides and the funds needed to support local children, adults and their families.

“We’re proud to have Thames Bellway Gateway as part of the trail and hope everyone enjoys discovering their bear as they explore Dartford and Bluewater.”
The project is being delivered by ellenor in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and Wild in Art, the creators of public sculpture trails seen in cities worldwide, along with Walker Books and Lupus Films.
For more information about the new homes Bellway is building at Copperhouse Green, call 01322 772480 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/copperhouse-green.