Retired Woodcarver Wins National Competition with Tawny Owl Sculpture

In a remarkable achievement, Maggie Port, a skilled woodcarver, has won a prestigious national wood carving competition for her stunning sculpture of a tawny owl. The competition, held by the British Decoy and Wildflower Carving Association, recognized Maggie's exceptional talent in the bird of prey category.

Maggie's passion for wood carving was sparked 30 years ago when she attended an exhibition showcasing intricate wooden sculptures. Captivated by the artistry, she immediately enrolled in a four-day course and has since dedicated herself to the craft. Over the past three decades, Maggie has created an impressive collection of over 230 life-sized wood carvings, some of which have taken up to six months to complete.

For her award-winning piece, Maggie utilized a Malaysian hardwood called gelatong, meticulously carving the tawny owl by hand with a knife and a dremel, a small power tool. The attention to detail and realism in her work is truly remarkable, with Maggie even burning the feathers into the wood to achieve a more lifelike appearance.

Maggie's dedication to her craft extends beyond her solo work. She is also an active member of the Waterside Wood Carvers, a group that meets every other week in Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire, to encourage and support others in the art of wood carving. Maggie takes great pride in seeing new carvers develop their skills and progress through the different classes.

The national competition, held annually in Bakewell in the Peak District, is not the first time Maggie has been recognized for her exceptional work. In 2014, she won trophies at the British Championships for her carving of a flying female mallard.

Maggie's passion for wood carving has not only brought her national recognition but has also provided her with a therapeutic outlet. "I can sit out here and just carve, you can forget everything," she says. "You can lose hours without even realizing."