On this page I will share the films I've been making for my Masters in Fine Art at Falmouth University.
First sharing of my five part film of a snapshot of the work of D&G Woodlands a charity focusing on trees, habitats and the people who depend on them.
Bennel Wood Laboratory: Part One
Part One of my five part series of films documenting sites, events and experiences in a two week snapshot of the work of @dgwoodlands Bennel Wood which was recently felled is a 13 acre site to be used as a woodland laboratory. "The ambition is to establish Bennel Wood as a ‘Woodland Laboratory’, trialling techniques and approaches that influence the natural regeneration on a recently felled site, with the wider community, ecological and income stream benefits that result." D&G Woodlands website. It is a very hilly site with wonderful views over south west Scotland towards the sea. Plenty of experiments and studies have started already, such as the herbivore exclusion zones, soil composition, growth of native species, tree guard testing and plans for the future of the wood. This short film is part of my @falmouth.mafineart.online Collaborative Practice module. #forestryexperiments#bennelwood#d&gwoodlands #falmouthuniversity#mastersfineart
Planting for Hedgehogs: Part Two
Todays film focuses on the planting side of the work of the woodland charity. This planting session was at Dalbeattie Learning Academy, adding to the trees already planted on site.
Aspen Propagation: Part Three
An event put on by D&G Woodlands with Eadha Enterprises that gave an overview of Aspen in Scotland and how to propagate this highly biodiverse tree. It was a hands on day with plenty of experience and knowledge from Peter.
Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland: Part Four D&G Woodlands
Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland: Part Four D&G Woodlands
This is a local site to me and a place I've known for 20 years. This small newly planted woodland is part of a unique scheme. The site forms part of an innovative lease, signed between the Forestry Developer Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company, and the Upper Urr Environment Trust (UUET).
The ‘Woodlands Plus’ project at @dgwoodlands has helped install wildlife scrapes, signage, seating and has used the site for events.
Obviously not a woodland yet it is still a fascinating site to visit and explore it's extensive views and paths around the site. Highly recommend a visit.
@falmouth.mafineart.online
Spring Equinox Immersion: Part Five D&G Woodlands
A wonderful day spent in the ancient woods in Mossdale with Paul Clarke. I was a participant as well as documenting the day, a day like no other. Beautiful surroundings, inspiring chats and poetry, digging ourselves into the land, full immersion, good food and fantastic freshly roasted coffee. We finished our day in a pyramid listening to sounds that had been made from images we took of the surroundings. Big thanks to Paul and Jake and to D&G Woodlands for sponsoring the event.
My films this week have been in an order that came easily after finishing my filming with D&G Woodlands. The first film at Bennel, ground zero, the trees being felled and what happens next. Aspen propagation and Planting, getting the plants ready to regenerate and then getting them on site. Glaisters has been planted for a wee while, but still mainly tree guards showing with the odd tree starting to emerge and then the immersion into the woodlands, humans using these spaces to relax, refresh, be sociable and learn.
It was a very short snapshot of my time with the charity but even in that time I saw and experienced a wide range of events that they put on and achieve so much with their small team. Their membership is growing, it's free to join and I highly recommend joining and taking part. Sign up at https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/ or visit them on FB and Instagram.