This Saturday marks the start of an exciting project exploring the people of Splott’s relationships with trees and culminating in an immersive exhibition.
Join the team on Saturday 31st January between 11am and 2pm at Railway Gardens (top of Adeline Street) to enjoy a free, relaxed day to explore the trees in our community, enjoy storytelling, creativity, photography, and to simply take a moment to appreciate nature right on your doorstep.
We recently caught up with the team behind the trees in an exclusive Inksplott interview. Read on for more information about this wonderful wild project…
Inksplott: Hi Chris, Eleanor and Jodie, thank you for being interviewed for Inksplott. Can you tell us a little about yourselves and your work?
Team: We’re a creative team commissioned by Coed Cadw – the Woodland Trust in Wales – to develop an immersive exhibition exploring Splott’s relationship with trees. Eleanor Greenwood is an artist and photographer, Jodie Bond is a writer and environmental communicator, and Chris Britten is a filmmaker. Together, we specialise in using art, storytelling and film to help communities explore their connection to nature and place.
Inksplott: How did you get into this? Can you tell us a little about the history of the project?
Team: This project came about because Coed Cadw wanted to address something called “tree equity” in Wales. Tree equity means that everyone, no matter where they live, should have fair access to the benefits of trees – shade, clean air, beauty, wildlife habitat, and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, Splott has some of the lowest tree cover in the UK, which means residents here are missing out on these vital benefits. We’re all passionate campaigners for people and nature, so when Coed Cadw asked us to help raise awareness and inspire change, we jumped at the chance.
Inksplott: Does your project relate to Splott? Are you local?
Team: Whilst we’re not all from Splott originally, this project is very much about and for Splott. The whole point is to work with local residents to explore what trees mean to you, what’s missing, and what you’d like to see change. The low tree equity here isn’t just a statistic – it affects people’s daily lives and wellbeing. We want to help Splott residents tell their own story and make their voices heard by decision-makers who can help bring more trees to the area.
Inksplott: What’s your speciality? Do you specialise in a certain medium?
Team: Our final exhibition will be a powerful, immersive experience. Imagine walking into a 360-degree projected treescape that surrounds you completely – a forest brought to life through film, sound and light. The video work will weave together voices, stories and artwork from the people of Splott, alongside hands-on artefacts that visitors can explore and contribute to. Crucially, we’ll also be inviting local politicians and decision-makers to experience the exhibition, raising the urgent issue of Splott’s tree equity at a policy level.
Inksplott: So what do you have planned?
Team: Our project kicks off with a free community open day at Railway Gardens on Saturday 31st January, 11am–2pm. It’s going to be magical! We’ll have:
- The Museum of Memorable Trees – artist Harry Pizzey’s travelling installation where you can hear people’s recorded memories of their special tree connections
- Fireside Tree Tales – storyteller Pridie Tiernan sharing folktales and ancient tree wisdom around the fire
- Sensory Poetry Explosion – creative writing sessions with Jodie where we’ll mash up poetry and campaign material to create something beautiful
- Macro Filmmaking – discover the hidden worlds in bark and moss with Eleanor and Chris, learning how to film like David Attenborough!
- Plus a visit from the Mari Lwyd – Wales’s traditional decorated horse skull, who is always followed by song.
The event is completely free, suitable for all ages, and the Seal & Bear Cafe will be open for refreshments. Following this launch event, we’ll run six more workshops at venues including Railway Gardens, NoFit State and Splott Community Volunteers, building towards our final immersive exhibition.
Inksplott: How do people find you? Do you have a website or social media? How can people get involved?
Team: You can register for the 31st January event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/where-are-our-trees-tickets-1978385448132
Just turn up on the day – no ticket needed! If you’d like to get involved in the follow-up workshops and help shape the final exhibition, you can register your interest at the event, or contact us . We’d love Splott residents to be part of this journey – your voices, memories and ideas about trees are what will make this project meaningful.
Inksplott: That’s great – thank you so much for the interview!
