For several years I have been involved with the Wansbeck Restoration for Climate Change project. What began as a simple documentary task grew significantly. We found many ways to include the local community and one group who responded to our invitation with gusto was Elsdon Writers Group.
Their Spring Fever event took place on April 26th at St Cuthberts in Elsdon. My introduction to the evening provides some context.
“We’ve been very lucky to have this project on our doorstep. It is one of six pilot schemes, nationally and the organisers Groundwork NE have brought together Natural England scientists, local farmers, landowners and many other organisations to look at how real practical change can be implemented for the benefit of the environment and biodiversity.
While ensuring the changes are suitable to work alongside modern farming.
They have planted trees. They have scraped riverbanks and backfilled ditches.
They have measured, and measured and measured some more. The first phase of the project is now drawing to a close but the scientists will return for a further 8 years to record the changes giving really valuable information we hope will support the UK in a sustainable future.
One of the things that has been lovely about this project about the natural world is that it began to take on similar characteristics and under the right conditions, it began to grow and flourish.
More and more people got involved all of whom brought something unique and together created a rich tapestry. People began to contribute memories, reactions and stories. Some of the oral history has been carefully recorded by Harry Henderson and will go into the Northumberland archives. The contributions by Elsdon Writers Group have been fantastic and I cant wait to hear more of their work tonight.
I am incredibly grateful for their input in this project, for taking the time to walk with us in the landscape, for giving it their attention, their creativity and pouring themselves into the work, which has touched and entertained our audiences.
I know how much this is enhanced the experience of anybody coming to the exhibition and engaging with this project including myself. I’m very appreciative Of their skills, their effort, and their support.
Finally, I must say a huge, heartfelt thank you to Leslie Silvera of Groundwork who has been absolutely central in this entire process, and has fanned the flames of creativity at every chance.
All while being so fun and informative along the way. My role in the project would not have developed without her and this exhibition simply would not have happened. Thanks Lesley I look forward to stalking you in your new projects elsewhere.”
The evening was a great success, an intimate gathering of guests thoroughly enjoyed listening to the latest performance by the Elsdon Writers group last Friday. The Spring Fever event was a rich, varied celebration of the natural world. The writers took inspiration from many places including a guided walk during the Upper Wansbeck Restoration Project, whose Exhibition provided a fitting backdrop to the evening.
Including a well paced mix of short stories and poetry, the five writers took the audience on a journey exploring the ways we interact with the environment through our gardens, our walks, our family
stories and our folk tales. We were encouraged to reminisce on how important open space and animals became during lockdown, and reminded us how wise it is to seize the day and take pleasure in the simple joys of nature. The audience was entertained throughout and very amused to hear what Starlings really say to one another and what frogs really get up to in those ponds! Through talk of Fairies and Blackthorn
trees we were reminded of the connection our ancestors had to the land and our duty of care for the environment. It seemed everyone left the evening inspired with a renewed sense of the wonder of the world and its place in our hearts. The quality of the writing and performances could rival any city centre, professional event – what talented people we have in our area, I strongly encourage folks to watch closely for the next chance to hear the group in action.
See some of the work from the exhibition here.
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