The Ash Walks: Hannah Lees

About

The ash tree is the most common tree in the Kent Downs but in 2012, ash dieback (caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) was discovered in the U.K. and the disease has rapidly spread. Ash dieback is untreatable and could see the demise of up to 98% of these trees over the next decade.

The Ash Project is a cultural response to ash dieback, asking how we might mark and celebrate ash trees. In 2018, The Ash Project is working in partnership with Whitstable Biennale to present a series of artists’ walks. Curator Rose Thompson has devised four walks in collaboration with artists, encouraging different ways of looking at and exploring the landscape in Kent.

The first of four 2018 Ash Walks will be hosted by artist Hannah Lees. Starting at 11am at The Lees in Challock and ending at The Woolpack in Chilham at 2pm, walkers will have the option to have lunch afterwards in a relaxed setting (please note: lunch is not included with your ticket). The walk will incorporate wild food foraging for wild garlic, dandelions and more, along with the identification of specific plant species. All of this will be interjected with short readings covering topics from the Renaissance to realist magic. Reading materials will be provided to the walkers ahead of time.

The walk is free and open to all to attend, but as spaces are limited, we recommend booking in advance. Please note, this walk will be approximately three hours long and will take place through uneven countryside terrain. For any queries, please email info@whitstablebiennale.com.

This is the first of a series of artists’ walks taking place in 2018. With thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Kent County Council, and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Image: Map of Challock and King’s Wood, Kent, Ordnance Survey Map. Courtesy the artist.