This past year marked a significant milestone for Horsforth Climate Action as we participated for the first time in the Horsforth Walk of Art, transforming our allocated venue into a celebration of ‘Our Green Horsforth.’ Our doors opened wide to nearly 700 visitors, each eager to explore how our community cherishes its local green spaces.
A Green Twist on ‘Our Horsforth’
The theme for this year was ‘Our Horsforth,’ which we reimagined as ‘Our Green Horsforth’ to highlight our commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. We showcased a captivating exhibition of photographs and postcards, all contributed by the community, depicting beloved green spots around Horsforth. This visual celebration not only displayed the scenic beauty of our area but also emphasised the importance of preserving these spaces.
Art Meets Nature
Thanks to a Leeds 2023 grant, we bridged art with nature by collaborating with six local artists and community groups. These partnerships focused on exploring and representing different facets of our green spaces, from parks and nature reserves to community gardens. This initiative provided a platform for artists and community members to reflect on how these areas are used and appreciated by everyone in Horsforth.
Interactive Activities for All Ages
The weekend was packed with activities that engaged all senses and ages:
- Treasure Hunt: Families and friends embarked on an adventure around Horsforth, searching for natural treasures and discovering the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in our local environment.
- Bug Hotel Crafting: In an effort to support our tiny inhabitants, visitors constructed bug hotels, providing safe havens for insects and contributing to local biodiversity.
- Upcycling Workshops: Demonstrating sustainable fashion, participants created unique patches to revitalise their clothing, a fun activity that promoted reducing waste.
A Hub of Environmental Enthusiasm
Our venue buzzed with excitement and engagement throughout the event. We hosted stalls from various environmental and conservation groups, including:
- RSPB: Offering insights into bird conservation and how to attract and protect our feathered friends.
- Community Garden: Showcasing their spectacular garden arch and sharing gardening tips with enthusiasts.
- Rodley Nature Reserve and Friends of Hunger Hills Woods: Educating visitors about local conservation efforts and how to get involved.
- Plastic Free Northwest Leeds: Providing practical advice on reducing plastic usage to protect our environment.
The Impact of Community Involvement
The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation underscored the community’s support for environmental initiatives. It was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work come to fruition with such a positive reception from visitors. This event not only brought our community closer but also strengthened our resolve to keep pushing for sustainability and environmental stewardship in Horsforth.
Join Us in Making Horsforth Greener
Inspired by the success of this event, we are more motivated than ever to continue our work in making Horsforth a greener, more sustainable place to live. We invite everyone to get involved, whether through volunteering, participating in upcoming events, or simply making small changes in your daily life to benefit our environment.
Stay updated on what Horsforth Climate Action is planning next and how you can be a part of it by signing up for our newsletter. Let’s keep the momentum going and build on the success of the Horsforth Walk of Art to create lasting positive impacts in our community.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Horsforth Walk of Art 2023. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024
