Langdyke’s Artists in Residence have started a project exploring the history of Westings Meadows.
Kathryn Parsons and Sarah Lambert are exploring the position of Langdyke’s nature reserves within the wider history and geography of John Clare Countryside.
Archives research, hours spent looking at old maps, walking the land, and input from knowledgeable members of Langdyke’s Facebook Group has brought to light some exciting ‘discoveries’ and fascinating stories.
Sarah has a growing map of veteran trees which would have been saplings in the time of John Clare, many of which are associated with Parish boundaries.
Meanwhile Kathryn has focused on the history of just one area – ‘Westings Meadow’ – a Tudor Common between Helpston, Glinton, Etton and Maxey, on which three of Langdyke’s nature reserves sit.
Through photography, poetry, sculpture and stitch they are sharing these stories – with an exhibition planned for the autumn.
Kathryn says: “Meanwhile, we’d love to hear from you if you spot any other veteran trees or know any stories of Westings Meadow.”