Stainless steel sculptor Michael Turner organises the poppy hunt in support of the Royal British Legion

Handcrafted poppies are set to appear across the New Forest on Remembrance Sunday as a Lymington sculptor launches his annual charity treasure hunt.

Internationally renowned stainless steel artist Michael Turner is gearing up for his 11th annual Poppy hunt, which will see him hide 11 unique flowers across the New Forest and Christchurch to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

This year’s extraordinary blooms each feature military buttons at their centre dating back to the First and Second World Wars. The flowers are also date stamped, with a purple poppy included in the collection to represent the contributions made by animals during the war.

Michael has also created a further 11 stainless steel poppies which he will auction online in the week leading up to the hunt in support of the military charity. Last year Michael and his wife Jenny were invited to attend a Celebration of Remembrance Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in recognition of their amazing fundraising efforts.

Over the years the community treasure hunt has raised in excess of £30,000 for the Royal British Legion. Anyone who finds a poppy is asked to make a donation to the charity.

Michael said: “I’ve been organising the poppy hunt since 2015, so it’s become a massive event in the Forest, and people always look forward to getting involved.

“I always look for new ways to make it special, and this year I am already planning where I will hide the poppies. After more than 10 years of hiding them it is a bit of a challenge to keep thinking up new places.”

This year’s hunt will primarily take place around the New Forest, but Michael hasn’t ruled out hiding a couple in the wider area of Highcliffe and Christchurch.

On Remembrance Sunday, 9th November, Michael will hide the 11 poppies and post clues throughout the day on his Instagram and Facebook pages. With more than 27,000 Instagram followers and 8,200 fans on Facebook, he anticipates hundreds, if not thousands, will join the search.

“I usually start hiding the first poppies at about 7am and try to finish by around 4pm before it gets too dark,” Michael added. “I like to stay near the final location as it gives me a chance to chat with some of the people who have been taking part.”

The poppy hunt is always a family affair, with Michael’s wife, Jenny, and children, Thomas and Eleanor, helping to scout new locations.

Michael began the poppy hunt back in 2015 as a tribute to his grandfathers, both of whom fought in the Second World War. Beyond the poppies, Michael specialises in creating life-sized stainless steel sculptures depicting animals such as horses, alligators, mythical creatures, and birds of prey. His impressive client list includes celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who owns a full-sized gorilla sculpture in his flagship London restaurant.

Bidding for the 11 auction poppies (10 red and one purple) will be open from Sunday 2nd November at 7am until Sunday 9th November at 7pm. To bid visit airauctioneer.com/michael-turner-poppys/auction-items

To join the Great New Forest Poppy Hunt follow the clues on Instagram and Facebook @michaelturnerstudios