Where funds are available, local sculptors, wood carvers or stone masons can be invited to work on projects with an environmental theme, for siting in community centre gardens, sheltered housing, schools, open spaces and parks. Try and time the work to be part of an arts or environmental week, and where possible encourage ‘hands-on’ participation. ‘Recycle-a-tree’ projects can use locally felled timber, from unsafe or windblown trees. Designs can incorporate play structures, seats or information boards. Funding may be available from the Arts Council or local arts trusts, and local businesses may provide sponsorship by supplying or transporting materials. Contact Common Ground and the Free Form Arts Trust for advice.
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
In Barnsley, South Yorkshire, a local wood carver was invited to carve a series of tactile seats from large logs, sited on a trail in the grounds of a riding school for the disabled. All visitors to the centre, both disabled and carers, can appreciate these sculptures as they walk around the trail. Not only are they fascinating to look at, and comfortable to rest on, but people with a visual impairment can enjoy the tactile experience of touching the wood and discovering the detail of the carving. The project was funded by a local arts trust, and the carving was done in situ, so that visitors to the centre could see the work progressing and have a go themselves.
