Published: Wednesday 26th July 2023 | 10.12am
Local schoolchildren and community groups have helped design a new eco arts trail to encourage more people to go outdoors and explore their local green spaces.
The Bug Explorer Trail is located around the Cannock Chase Stadium site on Pye Green Road and incorporates five art pieces depicting insects that can be found on Cannock Chase.
Over the last 6 months, schools and local community groups have worked alongside a local arts organisation - ‘Planet Art’ to develop the artwork. Together with officers from the local Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership, Planet Art visited local schools and ran creative sessions to get participants to learn about the habitats and protected species of Cannock Chase.
Children were fascinated by the eco-system and insects resulting in the final art features that are sited around the new trail.
There will also be a ‘living sculpture’ of a fox installed at the Stadium allotment site, which has been created with the Friends of Cannock Chase Stadium.
If you are looking for an activity over the summer holidays for the children, then you can take on the challenge with the Cannock Chase Can App and find out more about each insect. This challenge is available to access under the Move Well and Naturally Well sections. There are five QR codes to collect.
The project has been part of a wider environmental programme run by Cannock Chase Cultural Education Partnership, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and Cannock Chase Council.
Louise Rose, Chair of the CEP said ‘This project has really sparked an interest with local children who have been keen to know about the natural habitats and species important to Cannock Chase. We hope that the art pieces created will show to others the importance of these insects and how we should all care for our environment.’
Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Parks, Culture, and Heritage said: “The art pieces are beautiful and really reflect the feedback provided by those that took part in the design workshops. By developing this trail, we hope more people will visit Cannock Stadium and enjoy their local green space. Not only will you learn more about local nature, but you’ll also be getting fitter in the process!”.
The Cannock Chase Can App is available to download for free via Google Play and the App Store.