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Heathland Artworks

Heathland Artworks

Visit the 2023 Trail

Heathland Artworks is an annual trail around RSPB Farnham Heath to view site responsive works by students from the University for the Creative Arts. From June to October each year, you can view imaginative and experimental installations from metalwork, fine art, product design, ceramic and glass students.

The project aims to give participating students a full understanding of working on a real project. They receive a lecture and guidance on putting together a proposal to submit to a commissioner. They go on a site visit and learn about the flora and fauna of that location from the RSPB warden. Then, they carry out their research into their area of interest whether this is the bird species, the geology or history of the place. After working up drawings, technical drawings and maquettes, the students then present their proposals before a selection panel. Those selected go on to build and install the pieces on the heathland.

“The opportunity to broaden my experience by participating in a live project was so valuable. It has provided knowledge and helped me understand the obstacles and pitfalls that can present themselves in the process. My future projects will benefit from this experience.”

Carl Irving, MA Metalwork 2nd Year

Heathland Artworks is a celebration of Farnham Heath. It offers a different perspective on this special landscape while informing and inspiring visitors to engage at a deeper level.

Each year the programme runs to the end of October to incorporate Farnham Craft Month. A month full of activities, events and exhibitions in and around Farnham.

With thanks to our partners :

Farnham Heath Photo: Mary Braddock
Farnham Heath Photo: Mary Braddock

About Farnham Heath

The Farnham Heath reserve is part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once a gloomy conifer plantation, it has been transformed into a beautiful heathland with views across the Weald, abundant with wildlife that includes roe deer, crossbills, nightjars, woodcocks and tree pipits.

Our key feature of the site is our vast swathes of heather that stretch as far as the eye can see, the heather is at its best during the summer months of July and August, at this time it is in full bloom with a variety of shades of violet and purple.

A key feature of heathland is poor acidic sandy soils, with lots of areas of bare ground, these areas are important for many species of reptile, including sand lizards and adders which can be seen on the reserve as well as invertebrates such as the green tiger beetle.

Acid grassland habitat is vital for a rare and endangered species that can be heard chirping throughout April to July. The field cricket is only found on eight sites in the UK and we are very lucky to have them here at Farnham.
www.rspb.org.uk

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