Human Nature Escapes, a community interest company (CIC), have installed a number of Walking Galleries art installations at three locations in North Staffordshire, inspiring local people to make best use of the green spaces right on their doorsteps for wellbeing and creativity.
“Could a key to improving our own wellbeing be as simple as a ‘walk in the park’, or by finding new and interesting ways to engage and make the most of our local natural and heritage landscapes?
Visitors can find the Walking Galleries installed at Westport Lake, Hanley Park, and the canals that connect the two.
“Often these wonderful local facilities place the City of Stoke-on-Trent as one of the UK’s Top 10 Green Cities, but perhaps we don’t make best use of the green space assets right on our own doorstep to improve our own wellbeing, promote self-care and boost our positive mental health,” Human Nature Escapes.
Find the Walking Galleries here:
- Westport Lake (Starting from the Visitor Centre Cafe on the lake side): Walking Gallery 1 ‘Fascinating Finds’
- Trent & Mersey/Caldon Canal (Starting from Westport Lake Visitor Centre Cafe on the lake side): Walking Gallery 2 ‘Poetry in Motion‘
- Hanley Park (Starting from the Volunteer’s Pavilion/Community Hub): Walking Gallery 3 ‘Words Escape Me’
Each stop on the trail showcases nature photography and poetry by over 50 co-creators that have taken part in Human Nature Escapes wellbeing activities in recent years, especially during the pandemic.
“Hopefully these are all great ways to inspire creativity in photography and poetry, connect to nature mindfully, get outdoors physically for fresh air and exercise, or provide virtual (on-line) alternatives for those with less mobility, or with limited time availability, who might just want a quick ‘escape’ to nature during a busy working day.”
The Walking Galleries, which were supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ‘Make it Happen’ funding, will be in place until the end of March.
