I’ve written a little before about my role in the Living by the Ash Tree Waters project with Andover Trees United, for which I’ve been developing Nature Explorer Backpacks with local schools and communities.
The packs are now complete and being used as part of a series of walks, choral performances and picnics within those same communities.
Walks have already taken place in Appleshaw and Vernham Dean, with another taking place at Anton Lakes in Andover on Sunday 17th July. We will be meeting at the Anton Lakes car park, SP10 3SY (off Charlton roundabout), at 10 am. All walks are FREE and for people of all ages, so just book your free place (contact Alex.Walker@AndoverTrees.org.uk) and come along.
Previous walks have seen participants use the packs, and other materials provided by myself and ATU, to learn about chalkstreams, Ash trees (including Ash Die Back disease), and the wider landscape, recording and sharing the things that we notice along the way.
If you’re not able to get along to Andover on Sunday 17th and try them out for yourself, here’s a few photos of the packs and their contents, and one of the walks in Appleshaw, to give you a taste of how they work. The packs will be available to borrow from ATU following the completion of the project.
The Living by the Ash Tree waters project, is funded through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Watercress and Winterbornes Landscape Partnership Scheme, and by Test Valley Borough Council.
James Aldridge - Art, Ecology and Learning 