Ash Tree Stream

About

James says, “Over a year ago, I secured funding from Arts Council England and Chapel Arts Studios on behalf of Andover Trees United, the funds enabled me to develop a new body of work: my own research into Ash trees and Ash Die-Back, and ways of working with schools/communities and their local trees that can be applied to other towns as well. This comes at a time when an appreciation of the need for and value of trees within our communities is increasing in the face of climate and ecological breakdown.”  

James supported the children to develop new artistic skills through documenting their experiences of Ash Trees and their place in their local heritage. Activities included mapping the location of local Ash trees, creating artwork around Ash trees from local materials, drawing with sticks, leaves and berries, and recording local sounds. James Aldridge and ATU Education Officers Becky McGugan and Emily Roper supported teachers to explore the value of art within outdoor learning, as a way of enabling learning through the whole person – their body, emotions and imagination, as well as intellect. This partnership between the artist and ATU Education Officers, was supported by funding from the Ernest Cook Trust champions of outdoor learning.