Spring is a time to sow seeds, as the sun returns. In conversation with Cornton Nursery and other locals, we learnt about the seeds of potential that had been sown in the community since the pandemic; new community resources, groups and initiatives, tending to the regeneration of local green space; as well as the wishes of the community. The project was co-designed to activate, celebrate and shine a light on the potential in this place and connections with nature through dance, music, craft, storytelling and photography. A street party  was held in Cornton in May, which brought people together in the joyful spirit of Beltane

Alongside this, a ‘seed wishing’ activity pack was shared out, encouraging people to connect with the potential in their lives and places. 

Folk musician and singer Evie Waddell collaborated with Grace Turner, Saffy Setohy and Cornton Nursery children and staff, to make a special music and dance performance, inspired by the garden made by the nursery during lockdown. This was perfomed at the Cornton Spring Street Party.

Storyteller Amanda Edmiston (Botanica Fabula) joined Saffy, Grace and Evie for one of the workshops with Cornton nursery. She listened in, as the children explored the garden- the plants and the creatures that lived there. She then wove the children’s observations into a special Cornton nursery garden story.

In the lead up to the Cornton Spring Street Party, Amanda met some local residents. She asked questions about people’s memories of the area and what had brought them to Cornton, the things about the place that they treasured, and then blended aspects of their stories with local history and legends to create a new Cornton story.