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A wilder Walkmill

In September 2024, Handpicked were commissioned by West Cumbria Rivers Trust to work with communities to respond creatively to the restoration of Walkmill Nature Reserve.

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Visual artist Janice Murray delivered SumArt to Do Outdoors with families. Drawing on the history of the site—using old maps and artefacts, and starting with a nature walk facilitated by WCRT—families explored the reserve to learn more about its heritage, reflect on their connection to the site today, and consider what makes it important. Craft activities enabled families to respond creatively to what they had learnt and share what information they felt should be included on the new interpretation boards for visitors.

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Creative practitioners Kate Gregson and Holly Phelps worked with children from Moresby Primary School throughout the school year to creatively engage with Walkmill Nature Reserve. The children explored the site and wrote a song expressing what they believe makes the reserve special. They created all aspects of the song, from writing the lyrics and recording the soundtrack on site, to editing the final version. The song was performed to the wider school community and parents in July 2025, and lyrics from the song will appear on the new interpretation boards to be installed on site.

www.westcumbriariverstrust.org

“The young people are singing the games during the breaks. Playing games we played and adding on parts.”
Holly Creative Practitioner 

“It was really nice to see their faces light up when they could hear their laughs, stamps, and claps."
Class teacher

“It was the most feedback we had about the site.”
Laura West Cumbria Rivers Trust 

© Handpicked Productions.
Unit 10 Phoenix Court, Earl Street, Cleator Moor, Cumbria, England, CA25 5PT

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