I think I speak for everyone when I say that it feels like our world has shrunk this past year. Lockdown has kept some of us literally within our four walls or, at the very least, limited our usual travel opportunities. In the UK, restrictions that went into effect in January only started to ease on 12 April; it’s not until 17 May that the wider hospitality industry will begin to open up again.
However, what can seem like limitations can lead us in different directions when it comes to exploration. In particular, it’s a reminder not to take what we have in our own backyard for granted. This is a theme I’ve written about before (here and here to be precise), but a recent trip was even closer to home than usual: the Westmead Open Space in Chippenham.
This patch of land near the River Avon has recently undergone a transformation. After a design competition was held at the local primary schools, each school gave their winning entry to sculptor Ollie Adams to bring to life. He has done an incredible job converting tree trunks into works of art, and you never know what you might come across as you explore the space. From wonderful woodpeckers to swooping swallows, it was lovely to see this new trail in action. I certainly hope to see more of it as Chippenham—and the rest of the UK—unlocks even more next week.
Westmead Open Space is managed by the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.
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