Bumble Hole nature reserve in Dudley may appear to be an idyllic natural setting but in reality it's a landscape shaped almost entirely by industrial activity. 150 years ago it was a site riddled with coal pits, coke furnaces, boatyards, boiler works, brick kilns, clay pits and spoil heaps. Not to mention the constant chug of materials being transported by water and rail. Today though the contrast couldn't be greater – this former hive of extractive industry is now a peaceful haven for wildlife, waterfowl, insects, flora, grassland and trees.
This event, led by Walkspace members Andrew Howe, Beth Hopkins and Andy Howlett, will celebrate the reclamation of this land by nature with a sensory guided walk followed by a flag-making workshop. Join us on Sunday 17th July to tune in to nature and get creative.
We will visit some of the key points of interest around the reserve using a series of fun prompts to connect with the landscape. We will use the walk to generate ideas and inspiration for the flag-making activities which will follow the walk, taking place outside the visitor centre.
The cotton flags will be in a range of sizes and styles and they will be pre-coloured with natural dyes made from plants found locally. There will be a range of stamps, stencils, inks and other materials for participants to experiment with in their designs. No artistic skills or experience is required.
This is the first event of our Roaming Flags of Bumble Hole project. The flags that we create will later be used in a public celebratory procession on 13th August, for which the workshop participants are welcome to return.
Book your place
This event will start outside the Bumble Hole visitor centre just off the Dudley Canal at 10am and will finish at the same place at around 2pm. It's free but places are limited and booking is essential. Important details are on the event booking page. For other queries please contact Andy.
This project is supported by Creative Black Country as part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places National Portfolio programme, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) and support from CoLab Dudley.
