Woodland Connections

Challenge

To explore the links between NHS staff, heritage, and nature in a hospital facility that backs onto woods in South East London, and to encourage exploration of the woods using a newly cleared pathway.

Community involvement

I led two sketching sessions with staff in the wood, along with guided walks, and painting workshops with service users.

Solution and response

The woodland walk was a place of great solace and calm for staff and service users, with comments from nurses that it provided needed respite and improved mental health away from their work.

The magical atmosphere of the woodland is only possible though ecological succession which I represented through a tableau of the smaller plants and fungi, alongside the birds hidden in the canopy, that create a unique atmosphere. The mural was attached to a border fence, and in the centre are illustrations of the original Victorian lampposts to suggest a continuing journey beyond. I added a series of illustrated leaves with some of the emotional comments from the staff, and created an entrance sign to the path, including a map and illustration of the staff.

The path was recently opened with local MP in attendance