Extreme Views

An independent, open evaluation of the Extreme Views project and engagement events from Spring 2019 to Autumn 2020

November 2020 Introduction

Art Gene commissioned Iain Taylor, IMT Consulting to undertake an independent, open evaluation of the Extreme Views project and engagement events, initially planned for the Spring and Summer of 2019 but continued through 2019 and into the Summer of 2020 with several virtual events reflecting the social distancing requirements of Covid-19.

Specifically, the Extreme Views project includes the following and thus the scope of this evaluation is focused on the these events: Extreme Views: Cavendish Dock Extreme Views: Askam Extreme Views: Walney Island Extreme Views: Think Tank Extreme Views: Think Tank Next Steps Extreme Views: Duddon Estuary Extreme Views: Mini Think Tank Katie Anderson: Barrow Tarot and Market Workshop Armchair Walk: Barrow Park Armchair Walk: Green Corridor Armchair Walk: Lesh Lane 8 Words for Barrow-in-Furness

This evaluation builds on the outcome of the Interim Evaluation in May 2019, takes on board the Armchair Walk events and explores the impact, observations and effectiveness of the programme. In particular, this evaluation explores the outcomes secured by the programme in terms of further investment and project development in Barrow-in-Furness. 2 Key Questions for the Evaluation 1. Extreme Views: Cavendish Dock, Sunday 10th February 2019, 11am – 3pm Art Gene has agreed that the scope of the Extreme Views Evaluation should be open, inclusive and free to understand the full range of impacts without constraints The event was well attended with c30 local people from the community (the format of pre-determined goals or outputs to measure. That said, for the purpose of the works most effectively with this number, any more and it would be difficult to hear Extreme Views Evaluation it helps to define the value and impact across the speakers and less wouldn’t have the critical mass of occasion and discussion). following objectives: Thematically the event focused on the dock infrastructure, historical events and importance of inter-tidal mud flats for bird life. - Engage local people in a conversation about the future for Barrow, building on shared understanding of its unique history, role and natural capital; Opinions were gathered by the Art Gene team using the forms prepared and through casual conversation throughout the event. People engaged in discussion - Build capacity and confidence of local people to participate in such with experts on particular topics (birds, history, habitats) but participation on the consultation and engagement events; stage was limited to the Art Gene team who had anticipated the opportunity and prepared contributions. - Understand the values and priorities of local people and their aspirations and expectations for change; The unseasonably good weather, great food and generally upbeat atmosphere promoted retention and enjoyment. Overall the event was successful in that it - Inspire, through considered interventions, artistic interpretation and attracted people from the local area with well-planned and thoughtful interventions exhibition, new ideas, interest and participation; and which promoted reflection and casual subconscious learning. The combination of walk, fresh air, warm company and great food created a buzz and a positive energy - Combine local knowledge with ‘outsider’ perspectives to craft a new encouraging discussion. understanding of the place and its future. Photo: Extreme Views - provocations before food at Cavendish Dock

About the Extreme Views Events

Format for the Extreme Views events at Cavendish Dock, Askam and Walney Island

- Guided walk with frequent stops to hear from local experts on the history and origins of the dock estate in the area and observations and interpretation of visible wildlife and habitats.

- Stage with long dinner table with free refreshments and a warm cooked lunch, served by the Art Gene team.

- Artistic interventions from the stage welcoming participants to express their ‘extreme views’ of the area 2. Extreme Views: Askam, Sunday 24th February 3. Extreme Views: Walney Island, Sunday 2019, 11am – 3pm 17th March 2019, 11am – 3pm

The event attracted 40 people (including Art Gene) on an incredible The third event of the series attracted c40 people (including Art Gene) to a coastal walk and lunch following the successful format of the Cavendish channel walk and lunch. Although the location was familiar to many of the Dock event 2 weeks prior. The event differed in focus from Cavendish participants, there was real surprise and interest in the variety of interesting Dock, considering the importance and legacy of the iron ore extraction and habitats, species and history in such a confined area. steel production in the development of Barrow as well as the unique coastal qualities of the area (ranked 1 in the UK for Biodiversity). The event prompted further engagement from the participants that pervious events and encouraged longer more in-depth presentations by local experts. The The event ‘felt’ very similar to the Cavendish Dock event, with some event felt more comfortable with familiarity of format and faces. participants attending both events but also attracting new people. The incredible weather and stunning backdrop provided the conditions for a really interesting and engaging experience with lots of discussions about the place between participants. Contributions from the Stage were limited to those from Art Gene and individuals who had anticipated the opportunity and planned short 2-minute sound bites.

Photo: Extreme View badge, taken at Cavendish Dock event Photo: Extreme Views stage and event space on Walney Island Photo: The Think Tank, hosted by Art Gene, Nan Tait Building, Barrow-in-Furness

Extreme Views: Think Tank, Thursday – Sunday Barrow’s future. The Think Tank featured structured sessions carefully th th (and excellently) facilitated to allow the content to be audience led and 4 – 7 April 2019 inclusive but focused and managed such that timings worked and session outcomes shared. There were two coach trips, exploring areas of great The Think Tank event started with a public exhibition in the evening beauty and natural quality and areas of significant challenge and need. of the 4th April of works by the Art Gene artists, some of which referred specifically to the previous Extreme Views events. The event was There was also input from Women’s Community Matters bringing to the very well attended and featured speeches from Art Gene, The Arts Council fore the reality of life for many of the women who live in the area. and the Mayor of Barrow in Furness.

The Think Tank Event attracted c40 people over a two- and half-day period to engage in a process of exploring the key issues and opportunities for Extreme Views: Think Tank Next Steps, 6th - 7th This event secured consensus around climate change as a key priority but also raised Piel Island as a key focal point both in terms of its history but its unique June 2019 character. Other ideas highlighted the need for community engagement and for the output of any future project work to be in the ‘everyday’ places. This would In direct response to the quality and depth of ideas and discussion, Art Gene create the opportunity for local ‘champions’ to be drawn from a wide variety of organised a follow up event to the Think Tank event in April to distill down on the places in Barrow-in-Furness and communicate in venues such as social clubs, range of ideas and help shape agreement to the priorities for further work. The cafes, shops and other ‘everyday’ venues. event was hosted overnight with sessions facilitated by Jamie Saunders and members of the Art Gene team and was attended by 20 people, mostly from the local area.

Photo: The Think Tank Next Steps, hosted by Art Gene, Nan Tait Building, Barrow-in-Furness Observations and reflections - the mid point

All three outside events were extremely well planned and well managed with Art Gene staff supporting check-in, planned and ad-hoc contributions from local experts and enthusiasts. The subtle change of emphasis with each event allowed for the continuation of a story without repetition, building familiarity with the core themes influencing the discussion on a positive future for barrow, in particular.

The importance of its industrial past in shaping the barrow of today, both in terms of land formation and the built environment. The dominant, often single sector, nature of Barrow’s current past industry has had a remarkable bearing on the layout, housing typology and physical build quality within the town and surrounding settlements.

The paradox of proximity and disconnection in use and awareness of the variety, vibrancy, quality and abundance of nature and beautiful natural landscapes from where local people live and work. Local pride is apparent and yet there is an uneasy expression of why Barrow is a great place to live and how best to communicate this to visitors and those who my invest or re-locate to the area.

BAE literally and metaphorically casts a significant shadow on the town and is an ever-visible reminder of the role the town has in the UK. The requirement for a nuclear deterrent is divisive and therefore not a universal source of pride in the town. It is also a reminder that economic opportunity in the town is largely realised by skilled workers from outside Barrow for whom Barrow is simply a place of work. People previously employed in roles, now redundant, find little opportunity for new employment and as such social and deprivation issues are prevalent and visible. There is a plethora of social support agencies active in the town largely dealing with the consequences of long-term unemployment and lack of opportunity. Extreme Views Duddon Estuary 7th July 2019 10am - 4pm

60 locals from Barrow and Furness made the journey from Askam, guided across Duddon Estuary by Naturalist Pete Burton, before being greeted by Art Gene with hot food at RSPB Hodbarrow.

It was a rare and memorable opportunity to cross the Estuary, followed by shared food and truly ‘extreme’ views from Hodbarrow Point as the tide rushed back in. After food participants sere invited to share their views about their place.

£330 was raised towards local voluntary organisation Duddon Inshore Rescue, who joined participants for the walk across the sands and were on hand for the 1m deep wade at low tide.

Photo: Guided walk and crossing the Duddon Estuary

Photo: Lunch at RSPB Hodbarrow after crossing the Duddon Estuary Low Carbon Barrow ‘Mini Think’ with Barrow Borough Council. 29th Jan 2020

Councillors and staff from Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, alongside returning delegates from April’s 4 day ‘Extreme Views Think Tank’, were invited for presentations and a ‘Mini Think’ consultation about new green initiatives for the town.

Art Gene presented new ESIF funded project ‘Low Carbon Barrow’ working with consultant Iain Taylor in partnership with Barrow Borough Council. Art Gene served food for the 22 people in attendance.

Photos: Images from the Barrow Tarot event

Katie Anderson: ‘Barrow Tarot’ & Market Workshop 6th & 7th March 2020 at Barrow Market

Art Gene’s Artist in Residence Katie Anderson hosted a 2 day drop-in workshop, sharing conversation and ideas about environment, sustainability, identity and creativity, in Barrow Market. Conversing with around 60 market visitors across 2 days, and offering 'readings' using her artwork Barrow Tarot.

Through her time in residence Katie Anderson has created the Barrow Tarot, a creative tool to help guide conversations and aid discussion about the future of Barrow-in-Furness. The set of 78 hand-drawn cards are designed to be a playful reference, drawing inspiration from the everyday, the familiar, the hidden and the forgotten in and around Barrow-in-Furness as experienced by a newcomer to the town, from the meat and potato pie and the rare natterjack toad, to Furness Ironworks and Walney’s female Principle Lighthouse Keeper Peggy Braithwaite. Inspired by the tradition of Tarot reading, Katie’s deck replaces the 4 suits with Community, Industry, Environment and Culture. Across one weekend in March, Katie provided ‘readings’ for passers by at Barrow Market, a starting point to begin conversations about their vision for the future town. Through lockdown, Barrow Tarot has been developed into a digital deck, to be used to explore the future of Barrow-in-Furness. Burton and Daisy Froud. An aerial film was shown of Barrow Park to help frame the discussion and facilitate specific debate and discussion regarding the importance of formal urban parks to the heritage and fabric of The Armchair Walks communities. Presentations introduced the wider societal role and importance of formal parks with reference to early industrial place planning, Garden City principles and the role of public spaces in supporting the health and wellbeing of the industrial workforce. The role of parks the places for ‘public walks’ and ‘promenading’ was recognised and how this role has changed was discussed. About the Three Armchair Events Participant feedback was very positive and although the format was unfamiliar the discussion flowed well and it was clear that the subject and Art Gene were keen to take the Extreme Views project to more diverse locations contributions were of interest. across Barrow-in-Furness, to both test the public engagement model in what are more ‘everyday’ locations which at first don’t offer the same level of interest as the th coastal or dockland settings, but on further exploration offer more interest and 2. Green Corridor, Armchair Walk, 5 August human contact. 2020

The armchair walk events were facilitated by Zoom (the online video conferencing This ‘zoom’ event was attended by 26 participants (not the same 26 as the software) due to social distancing rules associated with Covid-19. previous event). Owen Griffiths chaired the event with contributions from Maddi Nicholson, Kate Davis, [Melissa Appleton] and Vincent Walsh. The Photo: Art Gene image promoting the events online event looked at ‘the possibilities of the site from a biodiversity and usership perspective, looking at what grows there now and its geological history as once part of the outwash channel. This site is mixed use but is largely a blank canvas, in need of protection as a significant green corridor and public space.’

Again, the format of the meeting worked very well and there were enthusiastic thanks from the participants. Although there would be clear benefits from being ‘onsite’ there are clear benefits to discussing and presenting topics such as this via zoom such as being able to focus on the presentation, clearly follow slides and participate in a single discussion. 3. Lesh Lane, Armchair Walk, 12th August 2020

The final of the three armchair walk events was attended by 25 people. Owen Griffiths chaired the event with contributions from John Little, Pete Burton, Andre Reid, Stuart Bastik and Maddi Nicholson. This event focused on a piece of green space off Lesh Lane, described as ‘Space Left Over After Planning’. The event explored the important ecological role of such urban green spaces as well methods to engage community in using their ‘forgotten’ green spaces.

1. Barrow Park, Armchair Walk, 29th July 2020 As with previous events, the format worked very well and the contributions of excellent quality. 26 people participated in the online event. The event was chaired by artist in residence Owen Griffiths and included contributions from Charlie MacKeith, Pete

10 Extreme Views on Facebook longer-term connection was made. It is clear that there was wide ranging (www.facebook.com/groups/extremeviews) interest in the events and the conversations and messages, people from the community preferred to talk about the events rather than attend. It is of To support the Extreme Views process, a facebook group was created to allow for value that the Extreme Views events both captured the thoughts and both the promotion of events and for comments and feedback throughout the perspectives of those present, but also stimulated a broader conversation programme. The group has 199 members. between people within the community about the future for Barrow. These broader perspectives were apparent during the think tank event where it was clear that people had discussed the event and offered shared perspectives on issues.

The Extreme Views events focussed deliberately on industrial heritage and natural beauty and value. Interestingly for events developed and delivered by an Arts organisation, the Art was both subtle, dramatic, obvious and yet did not dominate or distract. The carefully curated interventions of the walks and artistic interventions from the stage added interest, humour and inspiration to what could be a dour negative debate. The focus on value and quality reinforced pride and allowed for a balanced review of the issues affecting Barrow and avoided dwelling on the negatives. There is an abundance of local people who understand deeply the history and natural value of the place who are keen to share knowledge and encourage further understanding within the community.

Build capacity and confidence of local people to participate in such consultation and engagement events

The consistent format of the three outside events and a degree of consistency in the participants allowed for those contributing and participating to become more engaged in the discussion. Those who had remained quiet in the first session, were more confident to both ask questions and offer opinions and knowledge. The atmosphere became Photo: Extreme Views banner image from Facebook more relaxed over time and the conversations more frequent, longer and engaging more people. Participants knew more of what to expect and felt easier to contribute, some had even prepared things to offer. Observing this demonstrated the importance of providing time and consistency to allow people to adjust to ‘engagement’ headspace and to transition into In Consideration of the Key thinking about big strategic issues as well as local challenges and to have Questions the confidence do so publicly. For many this was the first engagement with Art Gene, so there was clearly some early hesitation to engage and accept free food and drink, served with Engage local people in a conversation about the future for a smile, in exchange for simply their time and opinions and knowledge. Barrow, building on shared understanding of its unique history, Future events will benefit from a wider understanding that these events are role and natural capital simply about local engagement and there isn’t a ‘trick’… indeed, these events offer a rare opportunity to enjoy the environment of Barrow with The Extreme Views events focused on developing a depth of engagement largely like-minded local people sharing their perspectives on the place in a with a core group of interested local people such that a meaningful and way that informs and interests. Understand the values and priorities of local people and their aspirations and expectations for change The events explored the role of beauty in the landscape and built environment and allowed participants to find beauty in challenging spaces. For many, change is a hugely challenging concept and for many it is The inclusion of areas in need of physical regeneration and social challenge undesirable. Unpacking the issues and offering thoughts for what could as well as conventionally beautiful places created moments of reflection improve the town is deeply personal and yet through the discussions, it was and consideration for the role of beauty in its many forms and whether it clear that people could agree on themes and consider the merits of views should be enhanced, retained or lost in the future. It also helped shift that they may have otherwise simply disagreed with. perceptions of the place and the intrinsic value of both built and natural landscapes. The Think Tank explored in detail areas of consensus and allowed those present to develop ideas and offer solutions building on some of the themes Combine local knowledge with ‘outsider’ perspectives to craft a identified in the previous Extreme Views events. Indeed, the dynamic, new understanding of the place and its future audience led format of the Think Tank allowed the participants (many of whom had developed ideas on the previous Extreme Views events) to The Think Tank created an opportunity to combine the local knowledge express their opinions on the core issues and what their ambition for the and experience of local people with the professional interest of people from town might look like. further afield. The scale of the Think Tank event allowed Art Gene to facilitate a welcoming, easy environment for discussion and debate. The Inspire, through considered interventions, artistic reward for participation was the experience of the event itself, but also the interpretation and exhibition, new ideas, interest and way the meals were prepared and served such that it felt hosted by Art participation Gene, not catered by Art Gene. This personal approach supported by the expert session facilitation meant that this was an event to be embraced by The role of art and Art Gene is hugely significant to achieving and not amble through. It expected and rewarded full engagement and maintaining integrity and quality both in terms of the project itself, and in participation. Over the three days participants opened up to the process, the ability of the process to engender a constructive positive conversation shared views and become emotionally engaged in the challenge and about opportunity in the future. The physical aspects of the Extreme Views opportunity identified. outside events created a ‘theatre of engagement’ such that it drew focus to the objective of the event, combined bold visual prompts with subtle expressions of value and importance. The combination of colours and quality materials supported sharing of space and ideas drawing people together. The exhibition and poetry added depth and further meaning to the understanding of place and the issues explored by the people involved, including them as part of the display, reinforcing the inclusive and Photo: The Walkover the Duddon Estuary, an Extreme Views supportive nature of the process. event To capture the essence of the views of stakeholder’s participating the Extreme Views process the concept of ‘Real Barrow, no more hot air’ was Extreme Views as a Catalyst created by Art Gene and serves to set the tone for the ongoing programme for New Programmes of project development around Low Carbon Barrow. The Low Carbon Barrow programme developed over the course of 2019 and 2020 into a series of community engagement activity facilitated by an artist created ‘BugOut’ low carbon demonstration vehicle and a series of investments in Council property. The programme seeks to support Piel Island in becoming ‘zero carbon’ and support local community and The Extreme Views programme evolved over time, partly due to the businesses with a low carbon grants programme focused on helping to changing format which was designed from the outset and partly due to the reduce energy consumption. This programme has been approved and will limitations of social distancing due to Covid-19. The initial series of outside commence investment early in 2021. events created the opportunity for local people to build confidence and discuss the issues that were important to them, whilst also sharing personal and professional experiences and knowledge.

Without these initial events the follow on Think Tank event (with a more detailed exploration of issues) would not have achieved what it did, or at least to a lesser extent.

The Think Tank brought together many of those who had previously participated in the Extreme Views events and it was clear that relationships had been established, a common basis of trust and shared agency had developed. This allowed for a positive and supportive platform to debate and discuss ideas and concepts and most importantly allowed participants to offer personal perspectives and reflections on the emerging key issues.

The Think Tank identified climate change as a key issue, referring to it most often as ‘climate chaos’. Many of the participants left the Think Tank with a clear call to help, participate and to try and take individual action.

Many of the Council participants, soon declared a Climate Emergency and embarked on creating a Climate Change Action Plan for the borough. Whilst not directly connected, direct participation and the knowledge that local stakeholders had debated the issue and shared in a common belief that it was now time to take action locally can only of supported the wider political consensus to take action.

Art Gene sought out opportunities to develop this theme of work and in partnership with Barrow Borough Council submitted outline business cases to the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and to the UK European Structural and Investment Fund for a ‘Low Carbon Barrow’ programme to support the emerging Barrow Climate Change Action Plan. Low Carbon Futures for Local People 8 Words for Barrow- in-Furness

8 Words for Barrow-in-Furness was a competition launched May 2020 with an exhibition in October 2020. The competition was in response to the COVID-19 lockdown and the postponement of public events.

During the national lockdown all advertisements ceased and the billboards were papered with an aspirational sky blue colour, with a roundabout empty of traffic, anything seemed possible. In the absence of advertising, we invited locals to add their own words and thoughts to them, with the aim of activating and capturing the voices of local people during this ‘unprecedented’ time.

The online competition received an incredible response, with over 180 entries from people of all ages, ranging from the light-hearted and humorous to sincere calls for change in this time of crisis.

Over 180 entries were received from adults, teenagers and children with 20 selected for exhibition. A panel selected 13 winners in 4 categories with the winners receiving a framed print of their entry.

20 of our favourites were presented as a socially distanced outdoor artwork, which can be viewed outside the Art Gene building on the corner of Bath Street and Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, from October 2020 Extreme Views – the view on the ground, a of a small child using an inhaler and a lot of writing in Spanish. I assume that Spaniards take a no-nonsense approach to health warnings and, poem by Kate Davis, a contributor and though I’m a bit shocked, I find myself silently approving. participant on the Extreme Views Programme Pete’s talking about the birds. He lists them in what seems like colossal numbers- 400 Cormorants, 3000 Knot, 5000 Redshank, 16000 Dunlin Radio/waves and, sitting in the middle of the dunlin flock, one Peregrine.

There’s something pleasing and intimate about the voice coming from the On the way back I pick up three identical plastic spoons from the same orange lit transmitter on the table. I lean in to hear it over the hum of spot. We try to think of ‘Three’ songs we can apply to the spoons. I can only humans chattering. It’s the sound of a bloke with a megaphone half a field think of Christmas carols- I Saw Three Spoons Come Sailing in….We Three away on Glaxo Sports Day where my father is slipping off his good jacket, Spoons from Orient are. I remember Matt Munro in the 60’s…’Three handing it to Mam and rolling up his shirt-sleeves, readying himself for the Spoons in a Fountain,’ I say. Still, I’m a bit disappointed we can’t do better, dad’s race. then Andrew comes up with Three Blind Spoons and the spoons are elevated to a decent position in the array of found things. The second speaker speaks; it’s tone is startlingly different, more formal, it sounds like it wants to say– ‘Zero Tango Alpha – are you receiving me? On the way home I remember Danielle’s hands furiously scribbling down Over?’ notes on sheets of brown paper as we talk back and forth; I see them lift, hesitate, circle the air in front of her as she tries to select then say, the right And I am – I am receiving you. words from her diagrams and lists, the ones that will contain and explain so many thoughts and ideas. Someone is talking to the room ‘We want a Barrow that’s vocal, visible, self- determining and ecologically resistant’ they say and I can’t stop thinking Barrow Island- a Fork in the Road about Clara’s film; water’s small undulations at the tide’s brown edge, the archive footage of a woman in stiletto heels walking confidently over the We’re on our way to Egerton Court crossing the middle of the square where Widow’s Crossing, as if balancing on a narrow wooden path planted in mud the central plaza is interrupted by a series of blebs, like old eruptions on old a foot above the rising waters of Walney Channel was the easiest thing in skin- the remains of rubberised safety areas in a once-upon-a-time the world. playground. They’re green and coated with dirt, as if the earth is trying to grow enough skin to heal over them completely. Lockey and Kev at Cav Dock On the road I find a metal fork, it’s tines are pinched in, narrowed at the Not far from the quay where the Fisher Boats are tied up waiting for…I’m tips. ’Hey, there’s a fork in the road’ I say and feel ridiculously pleased with not sure what…there’s a low concrete building, a bunker maybe, with a myself. And pleased with the fork. I put it in my pocket. door-shaped gape in front. Through it I see that Lockey and Kev were here; they’ve left their names on the facing wall. Lockey’s is neater, brighter, Back at the Nan Tait coats are hung on backs of chairs and Art Gene people more considered that Kev’s, which is rushed and scruffy, and I wonder if dash about looking preoccupied and slightly anxious as they hand out food. that’s an indicator of their relationship; Kev skittering through life; a slap- People are louder today, more animated, Across the room I see Helen dash ram-shackled pirate, Lockey following thoughtfully behind making struggle to lift a brown bowl as big as Ian McMillan’s teapot, which is itself plans for what to wear on Saturday night, responding to Kev’s regular as big as the moon. requests for a bit of company, food, the loan of a fiver. I peek inside, it stinks. And it’s full of shite. ‘Three minutes left,’ Jamie says as someone is meandering back to the table with a plate of cheese and green salad and I think…that amount of rocket, On the grass there’s an array of flotsam, or possibly jetsam. There’s too in spite of the implications of its name, is probably going to take more than much to list here but a frilly, fraying gossamer thing lying by a tobacco three minutes to eat. packet earns a mention. I poke it with my toe and see it’s an opened tea bag sachet…one of those expensive tea-pig things you get in National Trust The Snake is Smoking in the Biosphere cafes. The tobacco packet has the brand name ‘Amber Leaf,’ a large picture Apparently. Or maybe it was all about Sex Dogs and the NHS? It takes a us making our own bee-lines, drawn to the sea. Nancy points out three good long time to move a Chinese Whisper round 40 people and it could violets in the sand and I eat Betsy’s lunch by mistake. have been a disappointment, but it wasn’t. Barrow’s Shite We gravitate to groups. In ours I hear myself getting too loud about people slagging off Barrow. I remind myself that I need to think more before I Later Rachel will tell us one of the biggest problems is that so many of the open my mouth, I need to explain myself better and I need to keep my women who come to them think Barrow is shite. I know what she means, voice down. we all too often believe what they say about the town and, by implication, about us. Slag Bank Saturday But right now, we’re listening intently as she talks about what Women’s This used to be Cocken Tunnel. There is a proximity of trees here. I’m glad Community Matter’s does here, follow her round their part of the building of them, having them close on both sides is a comfort, like walking with a as she opens doors, ushers us in and out explaining the function of each couple of old friends I haven’t seen for a long while – white cherry, space, the need for continuity as respite from chaos, unpredictability, pain. hawthorn, a wild gooseberry bush coming into leaf and a single elderberry. Her pride– in the work she does, the women she works with and in her own I squeeze a leaf to release the sharp scent that always smells somehow achievements sings loud and clear in every word she says. It makes me reckless. proud of her, of all of them, of this place.

The ground I’m walking on could be real; it could be solid limestone, Kate Davis basalt, extrusions of raw haematite ore somehow distilled and leaching up through the earth to oxidise in the air. It’s not of course and yet I trust it. In general, I don’t trust the ground under my feet but I’ve never not trusted the slag bank.

Someone else leans over the edge and finds an unconcerned looking sheep standing steady on a thin gravelly path up the near vertical slag cliff. I’m About IMT Consulting surprised that after thousands of years of domestication it can still do that. I find a £2 coin at the top. At the bottom I’m startled to see a brick tilting Iain Taylor is an independent consultant experienced in project development, from the matrix of solidified slag, yellower than the towns red Askam financing, appraisal and management, drawing on experience in the UK and US bricks, it’s maker’s name clear as day on its upper surface ‘Thistle.’ I for a range of organisations including government backed partnerships, national calculate that with a hammer and chisel I could probably get it out, take it charities and major developers. Iain is passionate about securing futures for home for my collection. organisations focused on the delivery of quality environments and opportunities in areas that need them. Roanhead Nigel www.imtconsulting.co.uk

We’re getting off the bus in the new carpark with that odd, tilted metal hut. Some of us are carrying lunchboxes, some are not, some have water bottles, some of us are confused even though Stuart and Jamie keep reminding us of the plan. We head off into the dunes to do some intense Natterjacking; The idea of Natterjacking in the dunes makes me giggle to myself.

On the Natterjack pool a small dead butterfly floats towards the centre and stays there.

We tiptoe, stride and hop across the stream as it spreads itself thinly over the sand, head forward in ones and twos, resolute as baby turtles, each of