Artist Appointed for South Downs Heathland Trail
February 6, 2018
Are you a fan of your local heath? We know many people love their heaths – using them for exercise, to walk their dogs, for play and for relaxation.
Through the Heathlands Reunited project we hope to inspire you to get to know your own heath even better, visit and explore other heaths, and most importantly get involved in caring for these amazingly rich havens.
Over the past five months we’ve been asking local communities to share their stories about the history and heritage of their local heathlands to help inspire seven new pieces of art, as part of the Heritage Lottery-Funded project, a partnership led by the South Downs National Park Authority. The works will link seven heathland sites in the National Park to tell the story of why heaths are so important – not just as individual commons but as part of a wider network of heathland.
Seven heathland sites are being looked at as locations for the artwork: Wiggonholt, Iping and Stedham, Lavington Plantation, Short heath Common, Graffham, Black Down and Woolbeding.
Graeme Mitcheson is the artist now commissioned to create the seven pieces to reflect what each community values about their heath – from their history and past economic importance to their rare plants and animals. He’s created public art all over the UK including sculptures in Belfast, Northumberland and North and South Wales.
Graeme is excited to get to know the sites and work with the local people surrounding the heaths to create inspiring and engaging pieces to convey your stories for future generations to enjoy.
If you would like to find out more, volunteer or have stories that you would like to share please contact heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk or to find out more about our appointed artist visit his website here: www.chisel-it.co.uk/about
