Artist interview - James Aldridge
James Aldridge is one of the artists (alongside Paul Sartin) who has created the ‘Living By The Ash Tree Waters’ project. There are 3 Nature Discovery walks with picnic and choral performances coming up: in Appleshaw on Saturday June 25th, Vernham Dean on Saturday 2nd July, and Andover on Saturday 17th July.
How did you get involved with Andover Trees United?
I previously worked with ATU on the Ash Tree Stream project (https://www.andovertrees.org.uk/ash-tree-stream), which was a partnership between myself, ATU and Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) with whom I’m an Associate Artist. I got in touch with Wendy at ATU because of our shared values and passion for the natural world.
What are the walks about?
The walks provide an opportunity to use the Nature Explorer Backpacks that we have been developing with schools and community members from the Appleshaw, Vernham Dean, and Andover areas. The packs contain a range of equipment, objects and activity sheets which will support people to use their senses and their creativity to notice their local river and all the wildlife that lives in and around it. The packs are aimed at all ages. Children will need to be supported in their exploring and using of the packs by their adults.
Why do you think the local Andover communities would enjoy these events and who can come along?
The backpacks have been developed by local children and trialled by members the local community, they are a fun way to learn about the beautiful chalk streams and other riverside habitats that we are lucky to have on our doorsteps.
What happens at the workshops and on the walks?
I will introduce the backpacks, what they include and how/why they have been put together, before participants begin the walk. Along the way a series of activity sheets, and equipment such as magnifying glasses, will encourage adults and children alike to pay closer attention to their local natural environment, and record what they notice.
Sign up for the next walk, picnic and concert : email: alex.walker@andovertrees.org.uk