What if we took more notice of the plants in our immediate surroundings? There is a world of green-magic waiting to be discovered!

What if we took more notice of the plants in our immediate surroundings? There is a world of green-magic waiting to be discovered everywhere you look, with so many easily overlooked plants offering edible and medicinal properties.

Join artist and plant enthusiast Lucie Smith for a creative, mindful, and informative walk.

While exploring the peaceful and wild woodland, we’ll identify and explore a range of common plants on our route and their surprising uses, acknowledging the importance of plants we commonly perceive as ‘weeds’.

You’ll be provided with a small sketchbook and drawing materials to allow you to make notes and document your discoveries. We’ll focus on how to look closely at plants when drawing, focusing less on creating a ‘perfect’ drawing and more on recording what we see, which is a unique process for everyone. You’ll also have time to take photos as we go.

About the artist:

Lucie is a conceptual artist and facilitator based in Southampton, working in sculpture, installation, drawing and lens-based media.

By exploring narratives of lost voices, fragmented histories and 'place' as entity, she uses symbolic fibres and materials to create works with an overarching focus on wounding and reclamation. It is her belief that we must draw attention to what came before so as to situate ourselves within the present.​

Lucie is currently studying a Masters in Contemporary Art and Archaeology with the University of the Highlands. Current research surrounds matrilineal heritage, ecological/archaeological feminism, and the esoteric. She has a keen interest in local history, genealogy, object biographies and archive excavation.

Alongside her arts practice, Lucie works as a self-employed arts educator and producer, working with communities and individuals, as well as facilitating on behalf of organisations in Southampton and beyond.

www.luciesmithart.com

https://www.zestartscollective.com/artists/lucie-smith

On the Day

We will meet: At the small carpark at Stoke Common Park, off Sewall Drive.

What3words: https://w3w.co/prompting.dare.wage

By Bus - Bluestar 2 closest stop Darke Road, a 10 min walk away

By Train - Nearest train station is Eastleigh is a 35 minute walk away

Parking - There is a small car park

Please wear suitable clothes for the weather and suitable footwear for walking on various surfaces, enclosed footwear recommended.

Bring along:

A bottle of water

Sunhat, sun glasses and suncream

Camera and or phone.

Please Note:

Walk grade: Medium - includes some upward slopes and steps, as well as some uneven paths. We will be stopping regularly to look at and draw/photograph plants so it will be fairly slow paced. No seating on route.

Who should attend: Adults and children aged 11+

Sorry pets are not allowed to join a led walk unless they are a guide or assistance dog.

Child friendly: Suitable for children aged 11+. Any under 18s attending any of the activities must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Walk distance:1.8 kms

Facilities: There are no toilets on site

Accessible: We will be stopping regularly to look at and draw/photograph plants so it will be fairly slow paced.

This walk includes some upward slopes and steps, as well as some uneven paths which make it unsuitable for wheelchairs.

There is no designated seating on route, but will be stopping regularly. Anyone who might need to sit and rest is recommended to bring along a portable seat.

Description supplied by the event organiser.