The forecast of rain did not put off a large group joining this event as part of the Rushmoor Green Fringe Festival, starting from Reg’s Garden at Farnborough North Station. Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust rangers and myself led a walk and draw session as part of the Rushmoor Green Fringe Festival. SCRP applied for funding from CRN’s CRDF which enabled Rushmoor Voluntary Services to put on the festival; it included a series of events, spread over a fortnight, which highlighted green spaces close to train stations and sustainable travel in Rushmoor. It did rain, but we also had sunshine for our delightful walk on footpaths following the Blackwater Valley with lots of information about plants and wildlife. We passed busy roadsides, went over flyovers, and followed quieter hidden green footpaths, seeing beautiful wildflowers everywhere.
Back at Reg’s garden there was time for tea and cake followed by a restful creative session, drawing, painting and collage, inspired by our walk. Everyone really enjoyed the session; many had attended other events within the festival and were looking forward to joining others.
Thank you to the rangers from BVCT and to the volunteers at Reg’s Garden who helped make this a very special event.
Here are some comments from participants:
“Thank you for a great morning! So enjoyed the walking in nature, noticing and choosing our inspirations for a relaxed time at the art table together”
“How lovely to spend time exploring local areas in nature. Lovely to end the walk with a relaxing art activity. Very fun”
“Thank you to Sara and team, such a lovely walk, informative, fun and finished with a fun art class. Lovely way to spend a morning”
“Lovely walk with knowledgeable guides. So much beauty and different habitats. Great fun painting after! Absolutely fab!”
