Follow the new South Abingdon Nature Trails
There are three new trails that weave in and out of parks, footpaths and residential areas in South Abington. The artwork, designed by artist Tom Mclean and myself, was developed to help navigation and to inspire movement and play. Focused on pavement play and pavement art.
For me, a new media of working – pavement art! Finding my flow meant referring back to the designs I felt really meant something to the community and connecting back to nature. Here you can see some inspiration and trails I did to practice the art of pavement painting.
You will find 14 pavement art crossings and directional signage around these trail, and the best part for me was chatting to the community as I was sat on the floor painting.
These trails had a deep connection for me, having lived in South Abingdon for 10 years. Each path reminds me of walking our dogs Sky and Bella, and having may daughter on her push bike during lock down.
“Communities in South Abingdon understandably have a special relationship with their surroundings, so I was quite nervous changing the areas where people live in and walk past everyday. However there’s been such an overwhelming positive response from all ages and backgrounds to the pavement plays that it’s made it worth all the days lying down on tarmac painting!”
Follow the new South Abingdon Nature Trails
There are three trails which weave in and out of the parks, footpaths and residential areas. The ‘hedgehog‘, ‘duck‘ and ‘dragonfly‘ trails have been created for everyone to enjoy and explore South Abington, to become more active and to learn more about the diverse natural world around us.
The nature trails are here for everyone to follow. By looking out for the special markers you will be able to discover the amazing natural environment. We are currently working with the local community and organisations to install bug hotels, bird and bat boxes, community planters, wildflower areas and pavement games to enhance the routes and create a great space to relax, play and explore.
Why not join a hedgehog named Skuttle, a dragonfly named Flutter and a duck named Waddle and follow the map to spot the signs and interesting features along the way!
To download the trail maps, just click South Abingdon Nature Trail maps. For more details, visit the Vale of the White Horse website.
"Communities in South Abingdon understandably have a special relationship with their surroundings, so I was quite nervous changing the areas where people live in and walk past everyday. However there’s been such an overwhelming positive response from all ages and backgrounds to the pavement plays that it’s made it worth all the days lying down on tarmac painting!”
Tom Mclean, Creative Tom