An immersive art trail at Bridgehead business park in Hessle, East Yorkshire, continues to evolve through an ongoing community initiative funded and delivered by Wykeland Group, the park’s owner and developer.
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.
The latest work brings a range of fantastical creatures to life as sculptural willow hedges, including an owl, angel, whale and human figure, alongside other nature-inspired creations, with students playing a leading role in imagining and designing the installations. Other additions include a flock of ceramic birds, some perched on tree branches and others hung to give the illusion of flying.
The students worked with local artist Louis Dorton to create the pieces for the popular wildlife walk. Dorton also worked with Andy Gibson, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Outer Humber Officer, to create protected spaces off the main pathway using sculptural barriers, giving wildlife havens where it can remain undisturbed by visitors.
Wykeland has been working with local schools across its development projects since 2011, with the Bridgehead nature trail partnership now in its 12th year.
Natalia Rudd, Wykeland’s head of marketing, said: “This year, the Wykeland team visited All Saints and worked alongside the children and artist Louis Dorton throughout the creative process.”
She added: “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.”
Elaine Burke, Wykeland’s community engagement consultant, 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, said: “It’s a joy once again for our children to create something that the whole community can enjoy, while celebrating our pupils’ incredible talent.”
She added: “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.”
The trail was created through a partnership between Hull-based Wykeland and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The 1km woodland route circles Bridgehead business park and is enjoyed both by workers based there and by visitors to the site.
