Embedded Files
Tree Tales was developed by Art Branches and funded as part of the Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Plan. The aim was to improve wellbeing by boosting confidence and participation in a social setting.
The project developed creative expression in children by focusing on trees and encouraging expressions of, and responses to, trees.
Developing emotional intelligence and resilience through freedom and development of expression at a young age is hoped to prevent mental health issues later on in life.
A willow wetland, an ancient oak in Abbey Gardens and the ancient cherry woodland in Suffolk Wildlife Trusts Arger Fen were chosen as locations to inspire children in this project.
The project involved a filmmaker, several visual artists, an environmental educator, a poet and a photographer.
Activities included poetry, tales, leaf studies, questions and responses, collage clipboards and sketchbooks with ideas and studies.
Recycling a chair with painting inspired by trees:
Collaborative creation of a large woodland-inspired canvas:
“Tree Tales was really good. It was a good experience to be with Stephanie [the project leader] because she was always happy and she made us feel happy.”
– Gianluca
“We felt that all the children enjoyed themselves and all said they had made some friends. It was great to see the young people enjoying being outside and learning about park life in a fun way."
"...from the session I attended, I felt that the young people were really absorbed and enjoyed what they were doing."
"To put it in the context of mental health and wellbeing, some children said that they had never been to the park before and it was apparent that for some just having the freedom to run about and play was not only a joy, but something that through their family life they had limited opportunity to do.
Helping children appreciate being outside and enjoying park life in itself is massively beneficial for their wellbeing."
Wellbeing was measured and evaluated by the Faculty of Arts, Business and Applied Social Science, at the University of Suffolk, for the NHS and Suffolk Community Foundation. Evaluation results found a 40% improvement in measured wellbeing scores after completing the project.
"They were exploring nature, without really realising that was what they were doing.
Some of the group were very shy and nervous at the beginning of the session and one girl didn’t want her mother to leave her. However, by the end of the first session, she was enjoying herself and was confidently participating. When she met her mum at the end of the session she was smiling and had really enjoyed herself.
Thank you for inviting us to work with you on this project.”
Young Peoples’ Service Manager, Suffolk Young Carers
A wonderful short film was created from the workshop at Arger Fen by East Anglian film maker, Lewis Wickwar, involving the children in its production. In the film, children explore woodland, trees, make a den, read some of their poems, decorate sticks and talk about their experience on the project.
(Viewing the video below consents to Vimeo's cookie and privacy policies)
A booklet was created with illustrations, poems and stories created by the children.
Google Sites
Report abuse