The art of giving nature a home at Dove Stone
Dancers from Born and Bred Dance Theatre in Greenfield perform a piece of landscape-based dance choreographed by Olivia Burgess – photo Victoria Lowe
The dramatic and ever-changing landscape of Dove Stone has inspired artists for years – and now visitors are encouraged to use art to discover a different side to this popular beauty spot.
Families learn about trees and enjoy leaf printing with Mossley artist Jacqui Symons – photo Victoria Lowe
From creating wooden arches to wildlife mosaics, artists have used nature to enhance the site and earlier this month, an art event with a difference was held at Dove Stone to highlight the fragile landscape and the nature that calls it home.
Visitors to the event, held recently enjoyed a day of music, dance, poetry and visual art inspired by the area – a first of its kind for Dove Stone.
Miriam Biran, RSPB Visitor Services Manager at Dove Stone, said: “Art can be used as a way to interpret the landscape and encourage people to take a closer look at what is around them. With this in mind, the RSPB who manage the site, in partnership with United Utilities, have decided to use this natural link as much as possible to enhance the site for visitors and so far, the response has been fantastic.
“People seemed pleasantly surprised by the art event, which involved so many local artists and members of the public taking part in a fun and creative day. We aimed to highlight the way nature can change rapidly, such as the falling leaves or migrating birds in autumn, or very slowly over hundreds or thousands of years, such as trees growing to maturity or the movement of rocks.
“Dove Stone is continually evolving and changing, both naturally and as a result of the careful management work being carried out to improve nature’s home at this special site.”
The event included music by RSPB employee Laurence Rose performed by Saddleworth School Orchestra, Greenfield Marching Band and several local musicians, dance pieces choreographed by Olivia Burgess from Greenfield-based Born and Bred Dance Theatre, a poetry trail by East Tameside and Manchester Stanza group, temporary art installations by Richard Dawson and leaf printing workshops by Jacqui Symons.
Miriam added: “We have also received a lot of positive comments from visitors about pieces of art located around the site, such as the artistic wooden arch at Binn Green and the carved log benches around the main trail, which were produced and installed last year by local artist Richard ‘Arbarus’ Dawson from Woodend Artists in Mossley.
“More recently Richard was commissioned to install new wooden way markers which incorporate beautifully detailed wildlife mosaics by fellow Woodend Artist Jacqui Symons. It’s wonderful visitors of all ages can appreciate this work.”
Dove Stone reservoir is owned by United Utilities and the water company works in partnership with the RSPB, who manage the estate.The partnership aims to encourage public access and recreation, while protecting water quality and wildlife for future generations.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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