Students add new artistic appeal to Bridgehead business park nature trail
Back row, from left, Wykeland Community Engagement Consultant Elaine Burke, artist Louis Dorton, Wykeland Project Manager Tom Cannon and Wykeland Head of Marketing Natalia Rudd, with staff and pupils from All Saints CE Junior Academy.
THE immersive art trail is continuing to evolve through an ongoing community initiative funded and delivered by Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Bridgehead business park in Hessle, East Yorkshire.
The scenic walking route is enriched each year with new artworks created by pupils from nearby All Saints CE Junior Academy and Hessle High School. This year’s additions include sculptural hedges, ceramic birds and imaginative animal habitats, all bringing new interest and appeal to an engaging outdoor experience.
The latest work brings a range of fantastical creatures to life as sculptural willow hedges. Students played a leading role in imagining and designing the installations, which include an owl, angel, whale and human figure, alongside other nature-inspired creations.
Other additions include a flock of beautifully-designed ceramic birds, with some perched on tree branches and others hung to give the illusion of flying.
The students teamed up with local artist Louis Dorton to create the artworks for the popular wildlife walk.
The artist worked with Andy Gibson, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Outer Humber Officer, to create protected spaces with sculptural barriers off the main pathway. This has created havens where wildlife can remain undisturbed by visitors enjoying the trail.
Since 2011, Wykeland has been inspiring the next generation by working with local schools across its development projects, with the Bridgehead nature trail partnership now in its 12th year.
Wykeland’s Head of Marketing Natalia Rudd said: “This year, the Wykeland team visited All Saints and worked alongside the children and artist Louis Dorton throughout the creative process.
“As well as helping bring their ideas to life, the project gave pupils the chance to meet new people and learn more about different careers and industries.”
Wykeland Community Engagement Consultant Elaine Burke said: “This latest collection is a brilliant new chapter in the trail’s story, and we’re delighted the project has grown a new wing this year, with the involvement of Wykeland staff volunteers. We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and talent shown by pupils working alongside Louis.”
Zoey Newsham, Head of School at All Saints' CE Federation of Academies, added: “It’s a joy once again for our children to create something that the whole community can enjoy, while celebrating our pupils' incredible talent.
“Throughout this journey, our pupils didn’t just learn new skills and express their creativity. They also gained valuable experience working as part of a team and collaborating with visiting adults, while having plenty of fun along the way.”
Created through a partnership between Hull-based Wykeland and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the 1km woodland trail circles the Bridgehead business park. It is enjoyed both by workers based at the business park and visitors to the site.
