This striking wooden bench in the Abbey Grounds was created by Andy O'Neill of Wild Wood Carving. It was originally erected in 2015 as part of the Hare Festival trail. It is supposed to be "river-themed", so I'd guess the unfriendly looking beasty is an eel rather than a snake.
Article from the Standard (May 2015).
Wild Wood Carving website: that crocodile is fantastic!
This memorial bench,at the Old Nursery Site in the City Bank Nature Reserve, must also be by Andy:
