A project that began in 2024 with a number of walks deepening our relationship with the natural world through mindful walking, drawing, poetry and conversation with time spent in the company of 5 native trees within Craigmillar Castle Park. This first part of the project reflected on autumn as a season of endings and beginnings and asked what this time can teach us about our own life journeys.
We are delighted to now announce Part II of the project (see programme below), which commences with a series of follow-on workshops and events across March to June 2025:
Taking inspiration from signature trees in Craigmillar Castle Park, this series of workshops invites participants to enter more deeply into the life of trees. Through planting, drawing and creative writing, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the structures and patterns that inform our relationship with trees, woodlands and the ecologies they entangle. Outcomes from the workshops will inform an exhibition and small publication celebrating the trees of Craigmillar Castle Park.
Everyone is welcome. No prior experience necessary.
A collaboration between Art Walk Projects, Bridgend Farmhouse and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
Programme
28th March, 1-4pm
Tree Planting in Craigmillar Castle Park
(drop-in – no booking required – all ages welcome)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tWTYKnWXLJ2J1RG89
Tree planting is a symbolic act, it represents rebirth and a chance for a fresh start, but it’s also a practical solution to many environmental problems. Join Jonathan Baxter (Art Walk Projects) and Elly Kinross (Craigmillar Castle Park Engagement Project) to plant a mixed deciduous woodland of 500 trees in Craigmillar Castle Park. With trees donated by Woodland Trust Scotland – hazel, silver birch, rowan, English oak, sessile oak and blackthorn – and additional sessile oaks grown from Craigmillar acorns. This is a chance to enjoy the park and return the gift.
28th April, 5th and 12th May, 10.30am-1pm
Drawing workshops in Craigmillar Castle Park with Sarah Gittins
Meeting at Bridgend Farmhouse (booking required)
“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.” (Robin Wall Kimmerer) Join Sarah Gittins for one or more of these walking and drawing workshops responding to signature trees in Craigmillar Castle Park. The focus is on drawing but walking will be part of the pleasure. No experience of drawing necessary.
19th May, 10.30am-1pm
Poetry workshop with Helen Boden
Bridgend Farmhouse (booking required)
Poetry allows us to see the world in different ways, offering fresh perspectives on our own lives and the lives of others; human and more-than-human. Taking inspiration from the woodlands in Craigmillar Castle Park, Helen Boden will guide participants through a series of tree-inspired poetry exercises. No experience with poetry or other genre writing necessary.
26th May, 10.30am-1pm
Speculative fiction workshop with Sandy Bennett-Haber
Bridgend Farmhouse (booking required)
Good science fiction can simultaneously take us into a new world and help us see our own world more clearly. How might the trees in Craigmillar Castle Park lead us towards a better future? Guided by Sandy Bennett-Haber. No experience with fiction or other genre writing necessary.
3rd-29th June
Encounters – exhibition outcomes for 5 walks, 5 trees, 5 poems
Bridgend Farmhouse (community room) – Bridgend Farmhouse opening hours apply
Sharing visual art and writing made in response to 5 walks, 5 trees, 5 poems (2024-5), this exhibition offers an encounter with the trees of Craigmillar Castle Park. A reading event, sharing poetry and speculative fiction, will also be included in the programme (date tbc).
Bookings
Book workshop places here or to find out more information please email Jonathan at jb4change@gmail.com
We recommend a suggested donation of £4 per workshop – or £10 if booking all three drawing workshops with Sarah Gittins
‘5 walks, 5 trees, 5 poems’ is facilitated by Jonathan Baxter (artist and peer-educator) – as part of his ongoing Craigmillar & Communities Walk Residency – and created in collaboration with Bridgend Farmhouse and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.