Midsummer Meadow Walk:
Fantastical Beasts, Birdsong, and Beaver Ecologies
Join East Quay and Queer Nature Club South West for a special midsummer event in the meadows at the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, led by artists Ione Maria Rojas and Daniel Baker-Wells; hosted by Charlotte and Aislinn from the National Trust.
Including a guided walk, creative workshops in colour-making and painting, an introduction to birdsong, an exploration of the Holnicote rewilding project, and a visit to the beaver enclosure.
For the LGBTQIA+ community, friends & allies, & anyone interested in exploring nature through a ‘queer' perspective.
The meadows at the Holnicote Estate are an extraordinary ecosystem that was once common across the South West of England: a richly filled world of grasses and wildflowers, which is home to thousands of fascinating insects and sustains a hidden host of rare birds, small mammals and bats.
With Devon-based British-Mexican artist Ione Maria Rojas we'll be learning about colour-making from natural materials, exploring Ione's own fantastical queer Mexico-Devonian creatures; and creating our own silk experiments with natural dyes.
The workshop will be followed by an introduction to birdsong identification with Daniel Baker-Wells and an exploration of the re-wilding initiative and the remarkable beaver enclosure at the Holnicote Estate. We will explore the crucial role of beavers in the ecosystem, see signs of their work, and may even spot a beaver.
The workshops will be informal, relaxed, and no prior experience is necessary.
Light refreshments will be provided too.
Travel and access information:
This location is only accessible by car. Parking is available on site. Those with a car are advised to meet us at the estate.
- For those without a car, we are organising a minibus/carpool from Minehead (limited capacity).
- Please contact us directly if you have any questions or specific access needs regarding travel and transport. More details soon.
Venue: Holnicote Estate, Exmoor, National Trust.
The event will take place outdoors, with a gazebo for some shelter if required. Most of the event is likely to be accessible for many via a well-surfaced path to the meadow, with views of the beaver enclosure from the perimeter. We’ll do our best to support access inside the enclosure, but this may vary depending on individual needs, as the ground is uneven with a small lip at the entrance. The beaver woodland can still be enjoyed from the path. Please let us know in advance if there is anything specific we can support you with.
This event is for adults 18+. Young people between 16 and 18 are welcome, if they are accompanied by an adult 18+.
Contact: If you have any questions at all about access, would like to tell us about your dietary requirements, or anything else, please get in touch: lottie@containsart.co.uk