TAKE ME TO THE RIVER - PHASE II
‘Take Me to the River’ is a Solstice Arts Centre project that explores the preservation and shared custodianship of our waterways in Co. Meath. This phase of the project addressed urgent challenges such as; agricultural runoff and nutrient loading, fragmented riparian corridors, floodplain degradation, hydromorphology, biodiversity and native woodland loss and industrial heritage impacts. It placed further emphasis on key actions and learning outcomes, promoting critical discussions with local communities and stakeholders to highlight their role in their local river conservation.
Cineál developed community engagement tools positioned between architecture, landscape, and ecological fieldwork. We introduced mapping through sectional drawings, transect studies and field recording for each site. Transect studies open up the vertical plane and allowing narration of place and ecosystems from the riverbed to the treetops.
This mapping facilitated the creation of an accessible record of each site during the workshops, specific to a place and time and also translates somewhat complex environmental data into accessible visual and experiential formats.
The workshop format again paired artists with ecological experts to enable discussions around specific water pressures, appropriate actions in a creative way that also nurtures a sense of belonging. The process was documented by photographer and videographer Finn Richards.
COMMUNITY_SEED_SOIL
Athboy River, Athboy Allotments + Cowpark Walkway
Key Action: To support community initiatives such as riparian planting and and to soil improvement to reduce polluted run-off entering riverways.
WATER_CONNECTIONS_LIFE CYCLES
River Boyne, Trim Porchfields
Key Action: To study and log the interdependence between biodiversity and waterway health through kick sampling and species identification.
RIVER PAST_RIVER FUTURE
River Boyne, Dowth National Park
Key Action: Dialogue, exchange, and skill sharing, with artistic, scientific and ecological expertise and to discuss the heritage and future of the new park.
AGRICULTURE_HABITAT_REWILD
River Nanny, Co.Meath
Key Action: Identify ameliorate zones available for small scale re-wilding along the River Nanny and explore motivations and incentives to take action.
SEED_NURTURE_RESTORE
The River Boyne, Townley Estate
Key Action: Promote riparian planting and native woodland planting project through; tree identification, seed collection + sapling preparation
Workshop Facilitation Credits:
Individuals: Artists/dancers Mary Hoy, Sophie Rieu, Rachel Dempsey, Ecologist Ryan Wilson-Parr, Artist Annabel Potterton, Jesmond Harding (Butterfly Conservation Ireland), Gary McManus and Philip Duff (Inland Fisherie, Artists Anna McLeod & Breda Moran; NPWS Ecologists Maurice Eakin, Katie Geraghty & Annette Lynch; Architectural Historian Dr Livia Hurley, LAWPRO, Geologist Dr Robert Meehan, Archaeologist Dr Cliodhna Ní Lionáin, CIRAD Scientist in Ecological Economics Colas Chervier, Forager & herbalist Jenny Boylan, Nanny-Delvin River Trust Members, Artist Penelope Lacey, Boyne Rivers Trust Members, FERS Ecologist Emma Reeves, Solstice Coordinator Deirdre Rogers, Solstice Director Belinda Quirke, Cineál Phoebe Brady, Sarah Doheny
Organisations: Boyne River Trust, Nanny Delvin River Trust, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the River Basin Management Service (formerly LAWPRO)
All photography by Finn Richards
