Karen Allerton arts

Stretford Meadows Nature Trail

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I was commissioned by Groundwork MSSTT and Trafford Trust, Housing Association to work with local residents to create an activity and nature based arts trail that would lead to a new multi-sports facility.

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In workshops with an after-schools group we developed ideas focused on movement and the creatures that would be found in the meadows.

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This concept was further developed in workshops where parents and children gathered together in a nearby school to create stories that would encourage movement along the trail. "wriggle like a worm". We then went on to produce mixed media collages to tell the tales of the creatures.

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The finished designs were created as signs that are positioned along a path leading to the sports area. The trail culminates in a series of mosaic stepping stones, created by residents in a local sheltered housing centre for the elderly.

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"Where fees are becoming increasingly tight in the current economic environment, it is very important to the Groundwork staff that our art consultants can be left to progress projects. Karen has demonstrated excellent skills in delivering insightful workshops to very difficult to engage community groups in a professional and independent manner."

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Julie Hyslop CMLI

Senior Landscape Architect,

Groundwork MSSTT