Northcote Nature Reserve and the

tidal River Crane

 

I have been working on a residency at Northcote Nature Reserve and the tidal section of the River Crane for two years, in collaboration with the nature reserve's architect and designer, Astronaut Kawada Architecture and Habitat. It is part of an ongoing ecology and community project of habitat enhancement and urban intervention that is unique not just locally but nationally.

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The River Crane is a tributary of the River Thames that is designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for its biodiversity and unique tidal habitat. It is 13km in length and runs from north of Heathrow, through Twickenham, to the Thames in Isleworth. The tidal section runs for less than a mile, between the Thames and Northcote Nature Reserve.

 

Northcote Nature Reserve was formerly a neglected recreation ground, sometimes known as Pit Park. Due to the efforts of local residents and under the lead design of Astronaut Kawada, the park has been transformed into a tranquil escape from urban living providing a nature reserve and sanctuary for wildlife. Working together with London Borough of Hounslow, the construction work was completed last year and the reserve was opened to the public in the summer of 2024.

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My work will be displayed in the unique setting of the Lock House at Richmond Lock and Weir, the design studio of Astronaut Kawada. The reciprocal processes used by the artist and architect mutually recognise the importance of detail, all of which contribute to enriching a place such as Northcote, even in such seemingly confrontational and fragile environments. For more information please follow this link

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Writing my process

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On my first visit to the river, I accumulated a myriad of photographs and notes and decided a blog would enable me to reflect on my journey and better organise my thoughts and processes. It would present the development, approach and evolution of my work over the duration, and show the river and nature reserve from the perspective of an ongoing art project. By documenting my progress, I aim for this narrative to become part of the work, presenting a new perspective on this ongoing ecological initiative and inviting new audiences and dialogue.

 

 

Click here to visit my blog: Waders and Sketchbook

For more about Northcote Nature Reserve click here: Friends of Northcote Nature Reserve 

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