A MIGHTY kestrel overlooks a country park once again, after the original sculpture was stolen.
The Bird of Freedom, which stands at 2.5m high with a 15ft wingspan, is an exact replica of the one stolen in May last year by suspected metal thieves. It was never recovered.
Designed by artist Jonathan Clarke, the new kestrel was put into place last week with added security measures.
The £20,000 cost of the sculpture was covered by insurance and a donation from developers Countryside Properties, which built Great Notley.
Roger Walters, Braintree Council Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: "It is precious to the people of Braintree and Great Notley and we had a lot of people contact us when it went missing."
He said people associate the kestrel with the approach to Braintree because it can be seen from far and the council and local residents were pleased to see it replaced.
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