For the first time ever, Wokingham Borough Council has partnered with Bath Spa University, House of Imagination, and Grant Associates to bring the award-winning Forest of Imagination to the borough. This unique arts project, originated in Bath in 2014, has inspired people to explore environmental issues through creativity and artistic expression.

Dinton Pastures will be transformed to host Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination in May, in a first-of-its-kind event in the Thames Valley.

Parts of the park will be transformed with new sensory installations co-created by professional artists and schools, incorporating ideas from local community groups.

Residents will be invited to deepen their connection with nature, through participatory activities, performances and digital experiences.

Fourteen participating schools will join for sessions on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, before the showcase weekend opens for all on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May.

Discover the unique installations at Dinton Pastures some of which include:

• Giant insect antennae’s, inspired by the insects that inhabit Dinton Pastures, designed by artist Matt Leece. Placed along the pathways, these antennae invite visitors to touch their strange and marvellous shapes and even look through them for a bug’s eye view of the park

• A towering installation of playful, Biodiversity Totems, each topped with a creature from the local area. Designed by landscape architect, Andrew Grant, Royal Designer for Industry, whose work explores the connection between people and nature both at Forest of Imagination and globally

• Shade under the Forest Shelter, designed by Carpenter Oak, this outdoor classroom created and built especially for this event will be hosting workshops throughout the weekend, and will remain at Dinton to be used as an outdoor learning space as a legacy of Forest of Imagination

• Connect with the heart of the Forest, using artist Andrew Amondson’s, Walking With, a creative installation of written prompts and signs that guide you on a journey weaving walking with the environment, nature and your own personal reflections

Activities and workshops will run throughout the event, including during the public days on 24/25 May – all of which are free for everyone from the borough and beyond to get involved.

A wide array of creative workshops will be available to all who visit over the weekend, each one is designed and hosted by artists, makers and creatives.

This includes adventures in making, crafting and storytelling, inspired by the natural world, the Earth-Club Field Station will be in action where the worlds of art, science and storytelling come together.

Mask-making using found natural materials will be available, alongside drawing with natural materials, flower inspired art and Mother Nature’s Supper Club, an immersive theatrical performance, exploring climate change through food and performance, among other sessions.

A TIMETABLE OF EVENTS AND SESSION TIMES OVER THE WEEKEND WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!

Forest of Imagination is free to all

#ImagineWokingham

🎬 View the film – Forest of Imagination in Bath, 2024