If you haven't been already, I would recommend a visit to the lovely Leigh Woods to see Luke Jerram's Withdrawn, a flotilla of five boats marooned in the middle of the woods. Designed to raise questions about how they got there; climate change, extreme weather, or over-fishing, they create an interesting focal point in the woods, and a space to consider the nature of the work. We went on a sunny Saturday, the first weekend after it was installed, and even then it seemed pretty peaceful.
It's not often that you get to view a contemporary artwork in such a family friendly environment. Most of the paths around the woods are suitable for buggies and there is also a nice natural play area. The woods themselves are great for pottering around. My only complaint would be that children aren't allowed to play on the boats, which makes them a bit less interactive than some of Luke Jerram's previous works, but it states on the website that he intends to give the boats away after the project finishes (in September), and they could be used for children's play, which would make up for that! In fact my daughter's nursery have put in a request for one of them, so fingers crossed that might happen.
One consequence of the work is that it has opened up Leigh Woods to a new audience as many of the visitors to see the boats had not visited the woods previously. Hopefully they will all be back after seeing how beautiful this easily accessible woodland is.
It's not often that you get to view a contemporary artwork in such a family friendly environment. Most of the paths around the woods are suitable for buggies and there is also a nice natural play area. The woods themselves are great for pottering around. My only complaint would be that children aren't allowed to play on the boats, which makes them a bit less interactive than some of Luke Jerram's previous works, but it states on the website that he intends to give the boats away after the project finishes (in September), and they could be used for children's play, which would make up for that! In fact my daughter's nursery have put in a request for one of them, so fingers crossed that might happen.
One consequence of the work is that it has opened up Leigh Woods to a new audience as many of the visitors to see the boats had not visited the woods previously. Hopefully they will all be back after seeing how beautiful this easily accessible woodland is.
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