The Parish of Laverstock lies to the north east of Salisbury, separated from the City by the River Bourne. The Parish ranges from rural communities to suburban conurbations.
The common elements that link the Parish are the chalk stream, watermeadows and down land. A lack of access to these remarkable landscapes led to the formation of the Laverstock and Ford Downland and Watermeadows Trust in 2006. The loss of social benefits from traditional farming has also led to the formation of the River Bourne Community Farm in in 2009 www.riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk
Nature Of Art In Wessex has led a number of community arts workshops with Laverstock Parish residents. To date we have involved approximatley 1400 people in the area in arts and nature activities, ranging in age from 2 to 93.
In Spring 2011 artist Charlotte Moreton worked with community groups to create sculptures inspired by nature - everything from willow foxes to wooden birds. On 29 May 2011 the new Laverstock Downs & Meadows Trailwas launched at the Nature Of Art Activity Day, showcasing all the art made. On the day we also made a wooden cow on site at the River Bourne Community Farm, which can now be seen on Cow Lane!
In December 2010 LFDWT held a Natural Christmas Decorations Workshop. Led by Penny Theobald the workshop helped participants create beautiful decorations using only natural biodegradable materials - evergreens, dogwood, willow, seeds, berries and using raffia, hemp, wool or cotton for binding. Decorations were taken home by participants and used to decorate the River Bourne Community Farm and village.
The workshops was a real success and here are some of the beautiful decorations people made.
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A Walk On The Wildside took place on May 29th & 30th 2010 as part of Salisbury International Arts Festival. Throughout April and May professional artists Charlotte Moreton and Mirka Golden-Hann led clay tile making workshops with groups including Milford Manor Care Home; Sarum Centre for adults with learning difficulties; St Andrew's Primary School; Laverstock Cubs & Beavers; and volunteers at River Bourne Community Farm.
In total 110 tiles featuring local flora and fauna were created. The tiles were displayed around the parish on the bank holiday weekend as part of an art trail and guided walks were led for local residents and festival visitors. One walker came all the way from Australia! The tiles will be permanently displayed in the grounds of the community farm, school, care home and resource centre.
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