The Parish of Laverstock lies to the north east of Salisbury, separated from the City by the River Bourne, one of the five rivers that meet at Salisbury. The Parish ranges from rural communities to suburban conurbations. There will soon be outline planning consent for 1300 houses to be built on green field locations in the Parish over the next few decades.
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 nearly 400 people in arts activities inspired by nature, ranging in age from 2 to 93!
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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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In 2011 & 2012 we plan to build on this art trail and create more scultures inspired by nature around the parish. Watch this page for more information as workshops are planned.