Branching out
Art in the woods with West Cumbria Rivers Trust’s Youth Panel
by Anne Waggot Knott (artist)
How has the Youth Panel been getting on?
I can confirm they’re a hardy bunch! We’ve continued to meet more-or-less monthly at Walkmill over winter. I think everyone is enjoying getting to know each other and the woodland.
How many of you are there now?
Word spread, people brought their friends, and we have nine regular members now from various parts of West Cumbria. Some are very local – they walk from Moresby Parks and know the woodland well. Some come from Whitehaven and further afield. It’s a friendly mix of people who all enjoy the outdoors.
What have you been up to?
We’re creatures of routine already. We always set a campfire at our base in the Forest School area, and it’s never long before the marshmallows appear. Some people have been whittling sticks to toast theirs – it’s great to learn how to whittle safely using a knife. We even made popcorn, using Emma’s fabulous, improvised campfire popcorn machine.
What about the art projects?
We’re working on several mini projects which we’ll bring together for an open day in the summer: an outdoor exhibition showcasing Walkmill Woods and all the creative work the Youth Panel have been making.
One member has already created some beautiful paintings with lashed frames, made from foraged sticks. Two or three members are really into their photography and are documenting the woodland as the seasons change. We’ve been playing with the settings on our smartphone cameras because bringing out the contrast sometimes highlights things we miss with the naked eye. We all got a bit carried away, but this created some vibrant results!
A small group are building a sturdy wooden shelter which we’ll use to project the film and photography work. We’re looking forward to doing some soil chromatography soon. And we might even fit in some music and printmaking too.
What do you think the Panel members are gaining from their experience?
I think using art in this context encourages us to slow down and look closely at the woodland and the river. It helps to build a stronger relationship with the landscape and its flora and fauna. This in turn encourages us to care for the natural environment and be mindful of our impact as we move through the world.
Everyone learns in a different way and this is a fun, practical way of understanding the environment, a break from the classroom and a new perspective on some of the science they might have encountered at school or college.
Finally, it’s a nice way to make new friends and work with new people. Nothing beats being creative outdoors with likeminded folk!
This is so inspiring. Are you still welcoming new members?
Absolutely. Email <insert new education email ad when set up> for more information.
