Cumulus’ Baby Elephant ‘Pebblefoot’ – Weldmar’s Stampede by the Sea 2025
March 18th, 2025
Stampede by the Sea is taking place in Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis this spring 28th March – 27th May 2025!
In support of this great cause, Cumulus Outdoors have sponsored a baby elephant sculpture on the fundraising art trail.
The trail aims to raise money and awareness for Weldmar Hospicecare, who provide specialist and end-of-life care for Dorset adults with a life-limiting illness, as well as invaluable support for their loved ones.
Getting creative!
In sponsoring the sculpture Cumulus could give a local school, St Mark’s CE Primary School in Swanage, the opportunity to get involved in the artwork. The originally white sculpture had a turquoise coat applied by Cumulus staff, who then visited the school in January 2025 ready for the its artistic makeover! St Mark’s Primary pupils from all year groups decorated the sculpture with translucent tissue paper clouds in different shades of blue, using the decoupage technique – boosting confidence in their artistic abilities and creating something that we hope the pupils are very proud of.
The sculpture had its finishing touches at Cumulus Outdoors’ Residential Centre and was provided with a cochlear implant to wear, to also raise awareness of those in the Deaf community.
Who is Pebblefoot??
The Cumulus baby elephant is named Pebblefoot – his name inspired by the rugged, stony paths of Purbeck. He loves to explore different terrains, which represent the challenging journey families navigate through when they lose a loved one, taking one step at a time.
Pebblefoot is a deaf elephant wearing a cochlear implant. He represents inclusion and embodies determination and accomplishment as he overcomes barriers in everyday life.
The cloud shapes symbolise the spirit of exploration, inspiring young people to get creative, connect with nature and to embark on thrilling outdoor adventures. We know from experience this can create spontaneous, empowering and exciting moments to boost self-belief and to create unforgettable memories – something we try to make a reality for as many young people as possible.
After the sculpture decoration Cumulus returned with a fun follow-up activity at the school’s art club. The children created milk bottle elephants, decorating them with a similar cloud design. This hands-on project introduced creative ways to re-use materials, while giving each child the chance to take home their own special Pebblefoot – along with all that he represents.
During the activity the children enthusiastically remembered Pebblefoot and asked lots of questions about him!
Where you can see him
When Stampede by the Sea starts at the end of March, the art trail will feature 50 large and small elephants in West Dorset, transforming the area into a vibrant, fun and free art trail accessible for all. Cumulus’s Pebblefoot will be at Salt House in West Bay, why not visit him and follow the trail via the Stampede by the Sea’s map below? Each elephant has a scannable QR code leading to offers, activities, competitions and to learn more about Weldmar Hospicecare.
Returning Home
After the Farewell Event in Dorchester in mid-June, the large elephants designed by artists and sponsored by local business, will be sold off by auction to raise further funds.
All the baby elephants decorated by local schools will return home to their sponsors.
At the end of the Stampede, Pebblefoot will return to Cumulus and become part of a mindfulness and reflection area at our residential centre. We look forward to the children experiencing his calming presence and having the chance to meet him during School residential stays, family day activities and holiday activity clubs.
