Nature Calling…. High Weald
About the programme
Nature Calling is a £2M ground-breaking national art programme that aims to inspire and connect new and existing communities with National Landscapes in England, increase people’s access to nature, improve their wellbeing and inspire a sense of belonging for these special places.
We have been working alongside 25 other National Landscapes and 2 National Parks in a new and exciting programme of art commissions, engaging new audiences and inviting you to enjoy and connect with our natural world.
Our Project
Nature Calling…High Weald encouraged people out into nature by way of a series of walks and workshops.
Using a combination of fun but carefully curated and creative exercises, textile artist Lucinda Button helped the residents of Woodgate (a new housing development within the boundaries of the National Landscape) enjoy the forest on their doorstep.
Lucinda led a series of walks, outdoor and indoor workshops that resulted in the community producing their own creative responses to the woodland.
Project participants created exhibitions to display at the Woodgate Community Fair and within the community shop.
The Artist – Lucinda Button
A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and Wimbledon, Lucinda has cultivated a diverse career spanning textiles, interior design, and broadcast journalism for BBC World Service and Voice of America. Following these pursuits, she embraced motherhood and became an art teacher.
Her creativity has never ceased, consistently engaging in collecting and conceptualizing. Fortunate to travel extensively, her environmental convictions are deeply ingrained. Her significant collections of what some might call ‘detritus’ have provided the impetus for a profound exploration, enabling her to truly discover her artistic rhythm and unique creative expression. Drawing upon her skills, knowledge, and passion for the planet, she endeavours to create visually stimulating works that foster discussions about the environment.
Participant Quotes
“It made me really appreciate the forest on our doorstep, I have loved stopping and looking.”
“Never realised it was SO beautiful. Wonderful walk, such fun. Not an artist but
enjoyed drawing in different formats.”
“I walk my dog 3x a week in the forest and know it well, but I took time to smell, hear and appreciate nature with Lucinda.”
“Increased awareness of its beauty (wood) and its diversity. It was very
pleasurable and informative, I have a new perspective, it is very interesting.”
“I paid more attention to the forest foliage, very enjoyable and informative, will come again, thank you”
“How varied the forest is! I really enjoyed this experience.”
See the work created by participants.
Nature Calling is delivered by National Landscapes Association and Activate Performing Arts, funded by Arts Council England (as part of the Lottery funded National Significant Project stream), the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) (as part of the Protected Landscapes Partnership) and 26 National Landscapes in England.