Why is there a random-seeming leaf-shaped stone with a swirl on it, standing in the 'sheep-racing field' in Masham? There are other similar carved stones along the River Ure, all part of the Masham Leaves trail, sculpted by Alain Ayres. There are several leaves to discover, each with a different story and reason for being.
Alain got the idea for the sculptures when sitting at 'Sandy Bay' (a distinctive and lovely little spot on the River Ure) watching wind-blown oak leaves scatter and float down river. He liked the idea of showing how a place can unfold at walking pace, how footpaths keep places alive, and enable us to really know a place.
He was shown large slabs of stone piled in the old railway station, previously part of the old platform so using them adds to the local connections.
Two of the leaves form a tiny bridge across a tiny beck at a spot where a light railway used to cross the River Ure to a quarry. The centre of the bridge created by two leaves is the same width as the original light railway gauge. The stone in the photo below is called 'tree' and stands in the field behind the church, a reminder to look at the old saxon cross in the churchyard. It looks down towards the Old Mill.
I'll leave you to discover the other leaves... You can pick up a leaflet showing the route, and explaining the significance of each stone from Visit Masham