Created from wildflowers gathered along the River Exe and Canal, the River Valley Parks and out to the Estuary during the Covid lockdown months of early 2021, this illuminated lightbox documents the biodiversity of the local habitat and captures the unfurling of flora during the harsh months of early Spring.

 

Mapping the natural world bursting into life, the artwork

celebrates the resilience of the plant world and was created with accompanying engagement activity for local residents as a tool to support wellbeing during the isolation of the pandemic.

 

Wild plant samples including Primroses, Snowdrops, Celandine, Blackthorn and Sweet Scented Coltsfoot were collected daily by Shelton from the locale and delivered as art packs to local residents living in Shilhay housing on Commercial Road, bringing the natural world into the homes of those still shielding, and supporting those able to get out for daily exercise to more closely observe the details of trees, plants and flowers growing in their local environment. Ninety Year 1 pupils at Ladysmith Federation Infant School, their families and teaching staff were supported with a series of online workshops about local Spring flowers and live outdoor workshops were delivered for the children of key workers who were in school, many of whose parents work at the nearby RD&E hospital. ​​

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Commissioned by Exeter Canal and Quay Trust