A giant steel horn in King’s Wood, Challock which collects water and channels the drips to create music has been shortlisted  for one of the country’s most prestigious art awards.

‘A Score for a Hole in the Ground’ consists of a steel horn - modelled on the trumpet of an old gramophone - rising seven metres above the ground amongst the beech trees deep in the wood, a seven metre deep chamber and a pond, eight metres in diameter.

The horn amplifies droplets of falling water in the concrete chamber beneath, producing a subtle bell-like sound. The weather changes the music – for example in a torrential downpour its reaches a crescendo while in the drought it is silent, save for the effects of the breeze brushing against the instruments.

The work was commissioned by Stour Valley Arts and created by Jem Finer. His proposal for the work won the PRS Foundation New Music Award in 2005 and he was invited by Stour Valley Arts to develop it for King’s Wood.

Other shortlisted pieces for the award are ‘The Baobab Tree’ at Lullingstone Castle, ‘Breath Mirror’ in Sevenoaks and ‘The Erith Fish’ in Erith.

Now in its 14th year, the Rouse Kent Public Art Award carries a total prize of £20,000, and will include a new category (currently in development) for the best vision proposal for a work of public art planned for a new housing development.

The award’s judging panel was chaired by leading art expert Richard Cork - who recently appeared on ‘The Private Life of a Christmas Masterpiece’ about Van Eyck’s painting ‘The Annunciation’ on BBC2 and has written numerous art books – and included representatives from Liberty Property Trust UK Ltd; Kent County Council; Arts Council England South as well as artists and architects.

The winner will be announced at a VIP dinner at the Kings Hill Golf Club on 23rd May.