Forest of Imagination is branching out!
27 Mar 2025
Wokingham Borough will have its own unique Forest of Imagination at Dinton Pastures
Forest of Imagination, the award winning arts event, is proud to be branching out into other communities inspiring the public and local organisations to view the natural world through the lens of creativity, encouraging sustainable action, raising awareness of the climate emergency and encouraging imaginative adventures to connect with our creative side and the world around us.
For the first time ever, Wokingham Borough Council is partnering with Bath Spa University, House of Imagination and Grant Associates to bring the award-winning Forest of Imagination (FOI) to the borough.
The FOI team have been co-designing schools and community workshops in the run up to the four-day event in May with new sensory installations co-created by professional artists and schools and incorporating ideas from local community groups. It is so exciting to reach new communities, and we are looking forward to our next invitation to seed ideas in new locations!
Running until May, FOI Wokingham promises a vibrant lineup of events, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the beauty and significance of nature. Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this initiative ensures accessibility for everyone, allowing the entire community to participate in thought-provoking and immersive experiences.
March: A Month of Creative Exploration
In March, Wokingham Borough has been buzzing with an exciting variety of interactive activities that cater to all interests, designed by Forest artists and artists local to Wokingham. For 14 local schools, home educators, the public and business owners we have been running free workshops for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a lover of words, a passionate artist, or simply curious about the environment.
Spoken word performances, sharing the power of words from visiting artist, Toby Thompson, who performed pieces and inspired school children to write their own poems using nature and environmental themes. Artist Oliver Patchlark created immersive story worlds, inviting students to step into enchanting, interactive storytelling experiences transporting children and their teachers into magical landscapes shaped by creativity.
Ecological storytelling and drawing sessions with illustrators including Pippa Pixley and storytelling through sound and images with artists Femke Henzen and Sam Furness alongside other creatives. There are a handful of workshops left this month secure your spot here.
May: A Four Day Celebration of FOI Wokingham at Dinton Park
FOI Wokingham will culminate in a celebratory four-day showcase at Dinton Pastures Country Park, the borough’s flagship park, from 22 to 25 May.
Dr Penny Hay, Professor of Imagination at Bath Spa University, and co-founder of Forest of Imagination said, “We’re delighted to be working with so many schools and cultural organisations across the borough, bringing Forest of Imagination to Wokingham borough as our first event outside Bath. Forest of Imagination invites everyone to have a conversation about the importance of nature, imagination and the arts in all our lives.”
Councillor Mark Ashwell, at Wokingham Borough Council, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, added, “Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination will elevate our profile in the arts and culture space. It not only showcases our commitment to nurturing creativity but also enhances our position as a vibrant cultural hub, both regionally and nationally.”
Forest of Imagination is more than just an arts event, it’s a movement. We invite you to see the world through a different lens, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment while encouraging artistic self-expression. Whether you choose to listen, observe, create, or participate, FOI Wokingham will offer a unique space where imagination thrives, and community bonds strengthen.