A GIFTED craftsman has carved a rewarding career out of a passion for nature.

Andy Burgess is a professional chainsaw wood sculptor.

With painstaking precision, he transforms windblown, diseased and fallen trees into works of art.

Andy Burgess with an owl he carved out of a single piece of wood

An owl, eagle, fox, stag, bear, heron and dog are among the many intricate animals and birds he has created.

Every single carving is unique.

“I really enjoy turning a piece of wood into something more interesting,” said Andy, 48, from Mobberley.

“It’s just a great way of reusing wood that would otherwise be disposed of.”

Andy was inspired to work with wood in 2009 by brother Tim, also a full time chainsaw wood sculptor, and has always loved working with his hands.

“My brother started doing it 20 years ago and got me into it,” said self-taught Andy.

A share and care bench Andy Burgess carved at The Moor in Knutsford

“You get absorbed. Making something for someone has real meaning.

“I could never work in an office. I like being outside getting covered in sawdust.”

Working with chainsaws and power tools is not only dangerous but demands total concentration.

A hand carving created by Andy Burgess in Legh Road, Knutsford

“You’ve only got one chance,” said Andy. “There is no room for error.

“You’re working to millimetre precision when you’re carving the beak of a bird of prey. One move and you could ruin a sculpture.

“Standing up all day holding a heavy chainsaw is physically demanding on your body.

“Most of my work is from one piece of wood.”

A giant spanner Andy Burgess carved outside The Old Garages coffee bar in Wilmslow

Andy was the first chainsaw wood sculptor to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in its centenary year, 2013.

“This led to an interview with Alan Titchmarsh and appearance on his show, carving live on TV,” said Andy, who recently starred on Chainsaw Carving Live on Channel 5.

“I also did a carving of a squirrel for Dame Judi Dench. I went to her house, she’s amazing.”

Andy carved buzzards and owls for celebrity chef Nisha Katona, owner of Mowgli restaurants, from tree trunks after a storm damaged an ancient woodland at her home in Wirral.

The buzzard Andy Burgess created for celebrity chef Nisha Katona

“I don’t take any trees down,” he said. “I work with windblown, diseased and fallen trees.”

“I buy oak and cedar from a tree surgeon.”

Andy has created 70 bespoke commissions for Nando’s restaurant chain from organic design columns to sculptural seating.

This year, he carved nine sculptured seats out of logs for visitors at the RHS Tatton Flower Show, where he exhibited for the 12th time.

From small carvings you can carry under your arm to giant sculptures that need a scaffolding to create, Andy’s pieces are on show across the country.

A carving of Victoria Cross hero Private Alfred Wilkinson, who won the medal for his bravery during the Battle of Selle in Marou in France in October 1918, is on display in Mobberley.

A carving of Victoria Cross hero Private Alfred Wilkinson stands 10 feet high in Mobberley

The sculpture was made from a single piece of Cheshire oak and stands 10 feet high.

“You have to put love into what you make,” said Andy.

“You can’t treat it as a treadmill or a conveyor belt. I do really enjoy it.”

For more details visit andy-burgess.com

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