Visitors to Salisbury River Park can now explore a new artwork trail and family treasure trail, featuring pieces created by local and regional artists.
To help residents and visitors discover and enjoy the artworks, the Environment Agency has launched the Salisbury River Park artworks map, providing an easy way to explore the pieces located across the park and find out more about the stories and inspiration behind them. The project was curated by public art commissioning organisation Studio Response, in partnership with Salisbury City Council.
The map showcases work from a range of artists, each bringing a distinctive perspective on the natural world and heritage of the River Park to life.
Local artist Zac Newham’s work, shaped by close engagement with the community, features throughout the River Park, including fish-inspired picnic benches and a low-sensory willow sculpture at Ashley Road Open Space, and nature-inspired play boards and the large-scale installation River of Life at the new play park. Jane Edden’s sculpture Fleeting, at the Pocket Park near Mill Stream Approach, draws on the delicate wing structures of the Green Drake Mayfly and Common Darter Dragonfly found near the River Avon’s chalk streams, while illustrator Francesca McLean’s natural-world illustrations feature on the park’s interpretation boards and the new artworks map.
Fred Fieber’s mural transforms the coach park toilet block, bringing the River Park’s fauna and flora into the city centre and guiding visitors towards the park, while Tech Moon’s mural across the Central Car Park toilet block celebrates five native species, the Atlantic salmon, kingfisher, European otter, grey heron and banded demoiselle. Composer Karen Wimhurst has also contributed eight short musical pieces inspired by the River Park and the neighbouring Avon Valley Nature Reserve, which can be experienced while on the art trail.
Andy Wallis, Salisbury River Park project lead at the Environment Agency, said: “The Salisbury River Park has always been about reconnecting people with the rivers that flow through their city, and this artwork trail brings that connection to life in a really tangible way.
“Each piece encourages visitors to look more closely at the wildlife and natural heritage found along our chalk streams, from the delicate wings of a mayfly to the otters and kingfishers that call this place home. We’re delighted to see the park’s landscape enhanced by such thoughtful and locally rooted creativity.”
Clare Christopher, creative producer from public art commissioning organisation Studio Response, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented group of artists on this project, each bringing their own distinct voice while responding to the shared themes of nature, community and place that define the River Park.
“What feels especially meaningful is how the trail offers a gentle, inviting way for people to experience the artworks, encouraging people to move through the River Park at their own pace, notice the details of the landscape and enjoy the artworks in relation to the river environment around them.”
The Salisbury River Park artworks map is available now, helping visitors explore the artworks for themselves. Further information about the arts programme can be found at salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ourcity/salisbury-river-park-art.
For younger visitors and families, Newham has designed a new treasure trail that also launched alongside the artworks map, offering an alternative way to explore the River Park and discover more about the river that flows through it. Children can follow clues along the way, learning about the wildlife and natural heritage of the area as they go, with those who complete the trail given the chance to win a piece of River Park artwork as a prize. The fully accessible route is 1 mile long.
