We had been wondering for some time what would happen if we brought together a group of artists, thinkers and activists from a whole range of backgrounds and disciplines, to spend some time together in the woods.
So this September we decided to invite campaigners Loren and Mark from Right To Roam, CEO and co-founder of Go Jauntly Hana Sutch, Director of All The Elements Frankie Dewar, Anna and Steph from Oldam’s urban farm Northern Roots, Lucy Gara from LUC and artist Becky Lyon to The Whirligig.
With no set agenda or fixed outcome in mind, our Cross Sector Gathering was a chance to share thoughts, ideas, and frustrations; to see where conversations might lead, and where connections might form.
We walked together through nearby fields and down canals, had long, meandering conversations around the campfire and cooked and ate meals together – enjoying the unexpected places that our unstructured conversations took us.
Sharing our hopes, dreams and fears…
We spoke about land rights and access to nature; the importance of collective celebration days; the role that dead wood plays in forest ecosystems and the power of fungi; the importance of open conversation and how to avoid burnout as an artist or campaigner; connection with place; the importance of setting aside time to share our dreams, hopes and fears with others on a similar journey, and much, much more.
The conversation often returned to the idea of ‘Wintering’ as explored by Katherine May in her book of the same name: the idea that life, like seasons, has fallow periods, times when we must retreat to care for and repair ourselves.
Frankie Dewar, who came to the gathering from All The Elements, said:
It was a beautiful opportunity to pause and connect with others doing such incredible work. The gathering was a great reminder of the need to slow down and come together, highlighting the importance of moments like this: to share space together without specific outcomes or productivity in mind.
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us. We’re hugely grateful to be able to hear thoughts and ideas from beyond our own sector, and we’re already putting plans in place for our next Cross Sector Gathering!
