Chaetonotus
In nature, the smallest things can work together to make a huge difference.
Chaetonotus, (pronounced "key-toe-no-tus") is just 1.5 mm long and feeds in stagnant water on bacteria, algae and detritus, so helping ecosystems to function healthily.
They are part of nature's recycling systems. A small symbol of hope in turbulent times.
Sculpture for Tithebarn community amenity area, near Exeter. Installed Nov 2024.
An elegant, uplifting, bronze sculpture, inspired by the natural world nearby, designed to create feelings of wellbeing.
An educational interpretation plaque roots this sculpture to this location and helps the viewer to understand more about wider ecosystems and our place within it.
![20240903_221407[1]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f742f_19979fa0a78846a3aafd369efbb7b639~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_39,y_13,w_2583,h_1751/fill/w_396,h_268,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20240903_221407%5B1%5D_edited.jpg)
The curvy form of Chaetonotus has been designed to echo the shapes of tiny creatures that live nearby.
Just over the road is the Redhayes Green Corridor, part of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System. It has five connected ponds to manage surface water run-off during wet periods. The ponds fill and empty, at varying rates, depending on the intensity of rainfall. In these ponds live tiny creatures called Gastrotrichs. The largest, at only 1.5 mm long, is Chaetonotus. These organisms filter bacteria from sediment and so help ecosystems to function healthily.
The organic sculpture has an uplifting and optimistic form, reflecting the power of nature to grow and restore.
Molten bronze cooling after the pour
Midway through the patination process
Installation day!
