On the 14th and 18th of October, we hosted our last two Creative Walks as part of the West Dean 3:1 Creative Walk Project with Sara Rickard leading the group. Although both of these walks started at the same point from the Cenotaph in Bream and followed the same route, the difference in weather ensured that each walk was completely different.
On Saturday, the group assembled with smiles and eager anticipation to start the walk with clear blue skies overhead. On Wednesday however, the rain swept in so that clouds met the sky line making views across the valley blur into shades of pale misty grey.
A wonderful aspect of this walk is that we start in the centre of Bream one minute and the next minute, we’re in the woods surrounded by sweet chestnut trees and vegetation.
This time of year the abundance of slippery chestnuts underfoot made it necessary to be extra careful not to skid or fall as we headed into woods. The autumnal colour changes have started but not quite as rich orange and auburn as one might expect however participants of the Saturday group captured some beautiful shots. Taking photos in the rain was slightly more problematic on Wednesday yet we managed with a little creativity!
Drawing was a challenge too but by semi sheltering under branches, we achieved a lot. In fact the damp paper probably enhanced some! So damp indeed that the cover of Sara’s notebook came off during the walk as she repeatedly took it in and out of her bag.
Both groups were notable for their preparedness to ‘give everything a go’ attitude. In fact after an hour in the rain, the Wednesday group on the Creative Walk were asked whether they would like to curtail the walk by half an hour to go to the café early ……. Not one member wanted to stop exploring and recording! True grit.
At the end of each walk participants were invited to have a coffee/lunch at the Bream café to have a chat and discuss the walk. Visual evaluation sheets were provided and everyone was asked to contribute both verbally and in note form to help us improve our walk programme.
Overall we enjoyed two great walks with wonderful participants and a pleasure to be outside communing with nature, whatever the weather.
Special thanks to everyone who joined us
Canopy Creative Network 