Last week Glenan Wood hosted our first large event for another organisation. We spent the proceeding days erecting some extra shelters with the support of volunteers. We were sure to leave plenty of space between each structure; so guests would retain awareness of the place they were in.
In his welcoming address, Ian Dow, woodland coordinator for Argyll and the Isles Countryside Trust, emphasised the following; which resonated well with all the people gathered:
Parallels can be drawn between the fragmented remnants of Scotland’s rainforest found along our West Coast and the threats facing our remote rainforest communities. At this event ACT aim to bring together many of the elements that connect us to the forest, highlighting the deep connection we have to this habitat and how this connection is an integral part of the human condition.
Marking what we hope will develop into a regular program of events and in celebration of the intrinsic role that communities play in restoring Scotland’s rainforest; we are creating three legacy pieces: one musical, one sculptural; and a short celebratory film highlighting the importance of this unique habitat and the people at the heart of it.’
Know that the dark too blooms & sings…
Like every good song, a good event needs a good hook; and this came on the preceeding Tuesday night with two Bioflourescent night walks. The event leader David from Reveal Nature was visibly vibing from exploring our wood for the first time, he said:
It might just be THE most colourful and special woodland in the U.K. for biofluorescence.
I personally experienced participants spanning a few generations all full of childlike awe and wonder, as we watched the wood light up; adding definition, contrast and acuity to the huge array of lichen and bryophyte species.
For my own part It was akin to discovering the intricate assemblages of a coral reef for the first time. In the numinous, luminous dark, I witnessed an older couple, who grew up here, in joy on the brink of tears whisper ‘How have we not known about this all our lives until now’.
As my old teacher Colin Mortlock would say:
Mindblowing!
The Main Event
Word must have gotten around the villiage, as many of the 80 odd people that showed through the course of the day were all raving about the ‘night walks’
On the Saturday, Nicola Greenall and Mark Bamford, of ABCAN took their place under the ash pole shelter, lit a hearth fire and proceeed to make hot food and drinks for the day. I did not witness them sit down, but many received hospitality and there was chatter and laughter; and cake. Lots of cake.
Arts and Crafts
Outside the Yurt sat Paul Cookson, of Green Aspirations. Around the circle there was a flurry of activity, as the polyrhythmic sounds of cleaving, chopping and whittling provided inquisitive focus and purposeful chatter. The shavings were placed on a wee fire to keep the midges at bay.
In the marquee, there was the opportunity to create some drum and bass, with a mentor that was thouroghly inclusive and supportive. As participants gathere a mementum to muster a beat, Henry would add percussion guitar, song or blow through his didgeredoo of apple wood. There was a moment in the day, wehere he stacked the three big drums, together; where you could sit in the middle and be in your own immersve sonic experience. Scottish animal hide strung tight around scottish trees, the result was some powerful crisp tones. Great fun.
Through the threshold provided by the 9 x 9 tent I met a cellist; Jessica of ‘Stories of People and Trees; as well as an opportunity to add to an oak sculpture before proceeding into a special spot amidst an old oak.
As well as providing musical accompaniment during parts of the day, I also accompanied Jessica who was recording soundscapes and asking about my experience of different parts of the wood. Over the course of our conversation, I began to think of, in addition to learning to record geospatial information in the wood with QGIS, how we might map cultural and other ‘unseen’ layers. I’m curious to investgate Terrastories and what other technologies indigenous groupings are using to map their territories.
Forest Experiences
Deeper into the wood, guided walks were provided by Ian at ACT, showcasing the different assemblages of species present along an area of the shore path.
There was also opportunity to relax, unwind and return to baseline with a sensorial journey led by Sharon Roulston and Kemal in a natural activity with thr unusual name of Forest Bathing’.
Footage for a forthcoming film was also being produced, with film and interviewing provided by Rowan Rowan Aitchison
Argyll & the Isles Rainforest Strategy is a shared approach to protect, restore, expand and reconnect one of Argyll’s most important habitats – temperate rainforest. You can find out more here.
If you are interested in an event at glenan wood for your organisation, please get in touch.
