A Collection of our Rewilding Walks!

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; 

“At the heart of what we’re about is the fact that we ourselves are living things, we are from nature and so by getting to know nature better we might be getting to know ourselves better too.

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!