At the end of April 'Spring Forward', a new and exciting arts event, was held for the first time on Ashdown Forest, with nearly two hundred people gathering to take part in the colourful, musical procession.
The event was delivered by Brighton based arts group Same Sky and attended by children from local forest schools, Nutley CEP School, St Mary the Virgin CEP School and Buxted CEP School, who were joined by enthusiastic local families from the Weald Forest Ridge area.
The event culminated in a winding parade through part of the Forest ending with a gathering below three, fifteen feet high, temporary sculptures to dance and celebrate the arrival of Spring. The Ashdown Maiden, one of the colourful, figurative sculptures was made during an artist residency held in the Ashdown Visitor Centre during 2009. The other 2 sculptures, the God and Godess of Eostre, were inspired by Saxon celebrations of Spring.
It is hoped that this celebratory event can be held again at Ashdown Forest or another countryside site in the area. Discussions are currently underway regarding Spring Forward! 2011; if you are interested in being involved, attending or would like further information please contact James Sharpe T: 01580 879957 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T
he project was funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.