The University of Salford, UK
April 2022 - July 2022
The People’s Park was an art and nature connection project held at University of Salford and adjoining Peel Park in the spring / summer of 2022. We undertook action research linked to the MA Socially Engaged Art programme and funded by the Revive Recovery Fund.
Students were invited to join weekly sessions to investigate how nature connection can help us to maintain positive mental health through hands-on, creative workshops. We spent time exploring the green spaces on campus, Peel Park and the Irwell River and using our senses to engage in a range of forest bathing activities.
We enjoyed a trip to the RHS Bridgewater gardens to learn about their wellbeing garden and programme. Before consolidating our learning in the delivery of an open workshop for the local community.
The project is inspired by the social history of the Peel Park - which was one of three parks opened for the people of Manchester in 1846 and paid for by public subscription. In this work we will be asking how public parks can continue to be places for urban dwellers to relax, restore, enjoy, learn and grow.