Some of the
most popular UPLIFT’s on last year’s Green UPLIFT programme were the 'Rewilding
the Mind' rambles with Poet, Winston Plowes. So, back by popular request, we secured Winston for a number of dates for yet more rewilding adventures!
Rewilding Walks
are poetry rambles; they provide an opportunity to amble through our natural
world to a backing track of poetry, spoken word, shared stories and tales.
As the person
‘leading’ these natural rambles, Winston says; Each new
edition provides surprises and another chance to listen and learn from each
other, to feel renewed by being together and surrounded by nature. We have our
regular features of poetry, art and mystery objects themed to our location, but
the sessions are driven by your stories and memories and your choices of which
path to take.
There are
highlights each month but I especially liked it when one participant said he
had passed a particular spot many times but never really opened his eyes or when another participant said that it seems impossible to stand next to something so
ancient, huge and alive like a tree without feeling a connection.We learn the
names of things, we laugh, we listen and even get a little lost sometimes, but
wet or dry, we always finish happier than we were at the start.”
Rewilding the
Mind is well into its second year now and UPLIFTER’s have ventured out with Winston
ten times so far. Here’s a round up of the rewilding we’ve recently done on
this year’s UPLIFT calendar:
Rewilding @ Wentworth
castle gardens:
Rain and Rhododendrons!
As creative
partners of Wentworth Castle Gardens we are lucky enough to have special access
to the beautiful rooms of the estate including the Blackburn room where UPLIFTER’S
met and shared a lovely meal together before going out and wondering around
the Union Jack garden.
UPLIFTER’s were in full admiration of the rhododendrons
which were out in full force as well as taking in the stunning view from the
Earls seat. All the while, Winston was regaling the group with titbits and
poetry. A particular highlight being the poem, ‘In praise of Rain’ which
Winston recited from the bridge as the rain came down!
Rewilding @ Cannon Hall: Tree's, Pie's and Canada Geese!
Our Rewilding
UPLIFT at Cannon Hall started with homemade roasted vegetable pie shared in the
shadow of the trees by the dear shelter.On a full stomach we then wandered
through the tree walk with the ancient trees and Winston shared some beautiful
poems about the Sentinels of the Parkland.
We came across the felled tree that
has been sculpted by Jason Turpin Thompson, a sculptor who carves wood and
other materials. We took some time to rest
here and wrote some poems based on a piece that Winston had brought.
Finally we
wandered down to bird island where the Canada geese were out on mass and Winston
shared stories of the comings and goings of the mischievous Canada geese that
visit him on his on his narrowboat home! Winston’s well known ‘bag of tricks’
revealed a goose whistle which we tried to see if we could speak to the geese –
as you do!
All in all, a very fun and lovely day!
Rewilding @ Yorkshire Sculpture Park: A Perfect Blend!
Our Rewilding
UPLIFT at the Yorkshire sculpture park was a beautiful blend of art and nature.We took a slow walk through the Parklands taking in the beautiful views and
connecting with the work of Andy Goldsworthy, an artist famous for creating
work with nature. Winston took a moment to focus on Andy Goldsworthy's shadow
stone fold which is located in the sheep fold at the sculpture park as a
permanent piece of sculpture. Winston explained how the shadow stone fold works
– that is to lay for hours on the stone and then the rain, wind and possibly
the snow and ice create a shadow of the warmth of your body.
Following on from this we
went to visit the exhibition of Leonardo Drew at the Chapel which can only be described as astounding! Thank you to the wonderful staff at the YSP who gave us
our own private tour and talk about the piece, it was amazing!
The day really
captured everyone’s imagination and from the very first exhibition of the day, a piece based on the famous 1990's Brookside storyline where domestic abuser, Trevor Jordache is murdered and buried under the patio, conversation amongst UPLIFTER's really centered on, 'What is art?'
It was a day
that featured very different artists, inspiring thought provoking conversation, with beautiful moments in nature, and was certainly enjoyed by all!
Rewilding at Bolton upon Dearne - Tiny Forest!
Bolton Upon
Dearne is home to one of Earth Watch’s 200 Tiny Forests. These densely planted
tennis court sized forests are much more than just trees. This amazing
phenomenon reconnects people with nature, enhances wellbeing, helps mitigate
the impacts of climate change and provides a nature-rich habitat to support
urban wildlife.
Meeting with BMBC
community development worker Jenni, our rewilding event began with
UPLIFTER’s helping
to monitor the forest, this included measuring trees, testing soil and checking
for beasties. Jenni explained that the forest grows quickly due to the intense
competition for light and we were all impressed by the growth after only 2
years.
Our Rewilding
Walk continued with Winston who introduced UPLIFTER’s to a threaded Hag Stone
that inspired the sun, a pike poem by Ted Hughes, cheeky plant names (don’t
ask!), a zig zag to the waters edge and a pineapple plant! Not to mention barbecue
Pringles and a selection of hounds- from the fierce to the frail! What a jam packed, gorgeously green day!
We've enjoyed such varied and wonderful days out 'Rewilding the Mind'. Big thanks to Winston for leading the rambles and to the adventurous and curious UPLIFTER's who've come along and got involved! We hope you've had lots of magical moments along the way!
Huge thanks to
the Quakers for their generosity in in providing us with the space at a heavily
discounted rate and their support for mental health projects and the work we do. 
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