‘It’s great to see how happy the students are with what they’ve created’
Back row, from left, Wykeland community engagement consultant Elaine Burke, artist Louis Dorton, Wykeland project manager Tom Cannon and Wykeland head of marketing Natalia Rudd, with staff and pupils from All Saints’ CE Junior Academy on the woodland trail(Image: R&R Studio)
Visitors now have even more reasons to explore and enjoy a woodland nature trail at one of the region’s leading business parks, with the addition of imaginative new creations. The immersive art trail is continuing to evolve through an ongoing community initiative funded and delivered by Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Bridgehead business park in Hessle.
The scenic walking route is enriched each year with new artworks created by pupils from nearby All Saints’ CE Junior Academy and Hessle High School. This year’s additions include sculptural hedges, ceramic birds and imaginative animal habitats, all bringing new interest and appeal to an engaging outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
The students once again teamed up with local artist Louis Dorton to create the artworks for the popular wildlife walk. Louis said: “It was a real pleasure to work with pupils from All Saints’ Academy and Hessle High School again this year.
“I am super-proud of everyone involved and it’s great to see how happy the students are with what they’ve created.” The latest work brings a range of fantastical creatures to life as sculptural willow hedges.
Students played a leading role in imagining and designing the installations, which include an owl, angel, whale and human figure, alongside other nature-inspired creations. As well as the artistic element, the project also focuses on creating safe spaces for wildlife around the trail.
The artist teamed up with Andy Gibson, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s outer Humber officer, to create protected spaces with sculptural barriers off the main pathway. This has created havens where wildlife can remain undisturbed by visitors enjoying the trail.
Other additions include a flock of beautifully-designed ceramic birds, with some perched on tree branches and others hung to give the illusion of flying. The ceramic birds are all native British species, with many even found in the Bridgehead area.
Since 2011, Wykeland has been inspiring the next generation by working with local schools across its development projects, with the Bridgehead nature trail partnership now in its 12th year. Natalia Rudd, Wykeland’s head of marketing, said: “This year, the Wykeland team visited All Saints’ and worked alongside the children and artist Louis Dorton throughout the creative process.
“As well as helping bring their ideas to life, the project gave pupils the chance to meet new people and learn more about different careers and industries. It’s been a brilliant experience for everyone involved.
“We loved getting hands on creatively, while the children have connected with people and roles they might not otherwise encounter.” Elaine Burke, Wykeland community engagement consultant, said: “This latest collection is a brilliant new chapter in the trail’s story, and we’re delighted the project has grown a new wing this year, with the involvement of Wykeland staff volunteers.
“We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and talent shown by pupils working alongside Louis.” Zoey Newsham, head of school at All Saints’ CE Federation of Academies, said: “It’s a joy once again for our children to create something that the whole community can enjoy, while celebrating our pupils’ incredible talent.
“Throughout this journey, our pupils didn’t just learn new skills and express their creativity. They also gained valuable experience working as part of a team and collaborating with visiting adults, while having plenty of fun along the way.”
Created through a partnership between Hull-based Wykeland and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the 1km woodland trail circles the Bridgehead site. It is enjoyed both by workers based at the business park and visitors to the site.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages the trail and surrounding habitats on Wykeland’s behalf, helping to protect local wildlife and supporting biodiversity for future generations.
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