A SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION FOR WOODSMILL NATURE RESERVE

HOME is a sculpture installation in an alder grove at Woods Mill Nature Reserve, headquarters of the Wildlife Trust. Inspired by the relationship between animal and human habitats HOME is a series of sculptures that, in their substance and structure, evoke both animal and human needs for shelter, nesting and sanctuary.

HOME is sited next to Hoe Wood where the traditional practice of coppicing is used to manage the woodland. Suspended in a natural pathway between two trees Coppice Home is woven entirely from greenwood coppice, the intrinsic tension of the branches holding the nest-like form together. Inspired by early human habitat construction and the remarkable ingenuity of the bird nest, the structure responds to the marked connection between human and non-human architecture.

Reed Home uses the sweeping crevice of a split alder trunk to house a form of stitched reed, harvested from the beds at Woods Mill in midsummer and early autumn. Inspired by reed thatching and the habitat of the reed warbler, who weaves a cup-shape nest between three reeds, the deep purple feathered tops and vibrant greens and yellows of the stalks create a vessel which draws our eye to the form of the tree.

Each year the grass at Woods Mill is harvested from Little Meadow, a haven for bees, butterflies and harvest mice who weave their cricket ball sized nests from the grass. Made from stitched and coiled hay, Grass Homes are small secretive structures suggesting the habitats of bees, birds and mice whilst also drawing on the traditional skep-making techniques of the beekeeper for inspiration.

HOME was conceived and created by RED EARTH lead artists Caitlin Easterby and Simon Pascoe.

ecologists, animals and communities. RED EARTH has presented work in, and collaborated with artists from, Japan, Java, Mongolia and Europe