Volunteer in Cumbria: Old Warden’s Hut on Drigg Dunes
26th, 27th September
2nd, 3rd, 4th October
Various dates
Free
The Old Warden’s Hut sits amongst the dunes at Drigg. Now abandoned, the hut is defunct of its original use since the change in populations of bird colonies on the reserve.
We are looking for volunteers to help refurbish and refresh the hut for the local community. The project will include working with local schools, naturalists, farmers, and artists, to transform the hut and provide a habitat for communities to get outdoors, be creative and learn about the natural environment along the way.
The long-term project is led by local artist RL Wilson in collaboration with Dynamic Dunescapes and with the support of Muncaster Castle.
No experience necessary. Please bring thoughts, ideas, and any practical skills you may have.
To let us know that you're interested in being part of this, please email Eve Mulholland at EveM@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.
Booking essential. Meet at the parking at the end of Shore Rd, Holmrook, CA19 1XL:
- Saturday 26th September
- Sunday 27th September
- Friday 2nd October
- Saturday 3rd October
- Sunday 4th October
There will be the option to book onto a timeslot each day at either 10 AM or 2 PM.
Event notes:
- The hut is a 30 walk from the car park at Drigg beach and requires sturdy, waterproof footwear.
- No toilets or facilities are on site but the nearest cafe and pub are at Drigg train station.
- No dogs allowed are allowed on site.
- Care must be taken whilst navigating the track for grazing cattle.
About the project:
The project is part of RE DRIFT which brings together the work of artists Irene Rogan, Julia Parks, and RL Wilson - each making work and responding to areas of West Cumbria, UK.
This often overlooked stretch of the British coastline and its inland tributaries serves as inspiration and critique for the artists - reflecting on its industrial, militarised, nuclear, touristic, and natural habitats.
Connected to both wild elements of the Irish Sea on one side and the rugged landscapes of the Lake District on the other, West Cumbria sits apart from easy categorization - not ravaged by the aggressive tourism of the Lake District and no longer served by its historical fishing and mining industries. Nuclear and Military strongholds have taken root on the 'Energy Coast' - as the Romans and Vikings once did. Despite this, it's natural elements still dominate and a certain 'wildness' gives comfort to our manmade struggles.
Outcomes will include sculpture, film, sound, text, performance, and community-focused initiatives - all within a critical, contemporary context - creating a dialogue for both local and international practitioners and audiences alike.
RE: DRIFT will re-examine, re energise, rewild, reuse, refurbish, reappropriate and reinvent our relationship to the natural and manmade that reflect the Cumbrian coast.