Forward Footing programme of walks, 2015

In the New Year we will be running a series of walks around the Midlands and a little further afield to introduce our Outdoor Art Kits to as many people as possible. The list of walks will be updated on this page as we confirm things; here is the list so far. If you're interested in coming along on one of our walks, please check back to this page, email us or sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed! If you want to come on any of the walks listed below, please email us.

Forward Footing walk dates:

Nottingham, 2 February 2015, 10am-12, meeting at King Edward Park, Sneinton. Organised with Self-Help Nottingham ENDED

Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 14th April 2015, 1-4pm with Dan Thompson's London Road project.  ENDED

Bedford, Wednesday 15th April 2015, with Priory Lower School (sorry this walk is not open to the public)  ENDED

Various venues starting at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, Sunday 7th June as part of the Flaming Skirt Festival, 10am-5.30pm.  ENDED

Birmingham, Saturday 20th June 2015, as part of the Still Walking Festival.

Various venues starting at Ironville, Amber Valley, Derbyshire, Sunday 28th June 2015 as part of the Flaming Skirt Festival, 10am-5.30pm.

Norwich, Eaton Park, Saturday 25th July 2015 as part of Love Parks Week events. Walks will take place from 11am-12, 1-3pm & 3-4pm; sign up on the day.

What's the Buzz - Latest Update on Green Patch Projects

We've been busy finishing the Weather Installation and creating our sculptures for the Green Patch, we're buzzing with excitement as more things are almost ready for our celebratory event. We can't show you everything as we want it to be a surprise but here are a few images of work in progress!

Time for tea!

Happily Crowded Summer House

Last week Green Patch gardener Merle spent a morning with us preparing and priming wooden signs, 

today she returned with her sister Mollie to paint designs on the signs. 

Mollie told Michael, who was back to help dig in some plants in the very hard ground, about her son's adventures as an engine driver and promised to return with some photographs

The sisters are an inspiring pair, full of kindness, intriguing stories about their experiences, practical information, growing tips  and a huge love of life. 

If the morning had been relatively quiet, the afternoon was a whirl of people and activity! 

We were joined by several new family groups, 

some of our regular participants and four of our Light Walkers.

Two new Green Patch volunteers arrived with three broken wheelbarrows

which were up-cycled into planters

A gardeners' hands with beautiful Turkish rings!

There was a lovely atmosphere with small groups painting signs, making more bunting and trying out the wax resist paintings. Parents were able to relax and explore their creativity with their children out in the fresh air. The children went to visit the ducks and chickens, ran up and down taking away old cardboard boxes, washing brushes and everyone sat on chairs, floor or grass talking happily and helping each other.

Gillie and his brother made beautiful signs, one for the Bees

one for the tomatoes .

Through the wonders of Twitter the lovely Shena Cooper founder of the Secret Seed Society came to visit Lucy and the Green Patch Team. Here she is with Gillie and his completed sign. The Secret Seed Society "believe in engaging young children with the natural world, and understanding where their food comes from want all children to experience the magic of growing vegetables from seed, and making edible concoctions with what they grow." They produce lovely illustrated books featuring Rio Rocket, Carla Carrot, Chrissie Cress, Rudie Radish, and Mingo Mug that come with seeds to plant and are a wonderful introduction the the fabulous world of growing, they also have the Seed Agent Club and great growing and cooking tips of adults and children!