The Isle of Wight National Landscape are working with partners to deliver Nature Calling, an Arts Council and DEFRA (Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) funded project. This is the first time DEFRA have funded an arts project for National Landscapes. 34 National Landscapes in England are taking part with key activity taking place at 6 National Landscape hub locations: Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, Mendip Hills and Surrey Hills.
Co-delivered with national arts partners Activate Performing Arts as executive creative producers and working with writers, musicians, visual artists and theatre-makers, Nature Calling aims to inspire new communities across England to connect with National Landscapes, increasing people’s access to nature, improving their wellbeing and inspiring a sense of belonging in these special places.
The Isle of Wight National Landscape Nature Calling project will run from May – October 2025 with more information to follow in the coming months. Follow us on social media @isleofwightnl or signup to the newsletter to keep up to date.
What are people saying?
OneDa, rapper, commissioned writer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said:
“When I saw Nature Calling advertised I leapt at the chance to be directly inspired by a natural environment that has depths of beauty to explore. An earlier trip to Greenland took me to a place where the natural beauty was overwhelming yet so inspiring. I aim to combine my passion, talent and my creative outlook to explore the Forest of Bowland in a new way.”
John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association said:
“The great thing about Nature Calling is that it’s a chance for new voices to interpret the National Landscapes of England in new ways. Arts Council England and Defra funding means we can deliver our first all-England arts programme with six National Landscape teams working with artists to celebrate these iconic places with a season of events in 2025.”
Kate Wood, Executive and Artistic Director for Activate Performing Arts said:
‘We have worked with our partners across the country to select a really diverse range of extraordinary writers, musicians and artists. We are thrilled with their ideas for Nature Calling and look forward to working with them and the communities in all the locations.’
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:
“Throughout time, our greatest artists have been inspired by England’s wonderful landscape. Now, we’re supporting a new generation of artists to bring to life their own awe-inspiring work in response to our natural environment. I’m excited to see what they will create.”
To find out more visit www.naturecalling.org.uk