Rethinking Wild Spaces and Species – A Sensory Journey

The team at Inverewe are proud to be the first to present findings from a European research project that explores better ways of managing wild spaces and species. This innovative exhibition includes guided and self-guided walks, and sound and visual presentations within the Sawyer Gallery.

The project is led by Johnathan Carruthers-Jones and Anna S Antonova, Doctoral Research Fellows with Enhance ITN at the University of Leeds. Johnathan and Anna’s work is of international significance for its use of citizen science to explore sustainable development of natural resources. This project is also supported by Inverewe’s 2017 Artist in Residence and the Trust’s Curatorial team. The exhibition provides a unique platform of reflective space to help inform and then enhance visitors’ emotional connection to the landscape at Inverewe, both man-made and ‘wilderness’. Inverewe is one of the world’s top heritage gardens and shares its space with a Marine Protected Area and biosphere reserve.

Operations Manager Kevin Frediani says: ‘For us at the National Trust for Scotland this is more than an exhibition; it’s a fusion of art and science, asking questions of modern civilisation to help find new ways to engage with and influence our approach to land management.

‘The issues of our time are so big they’re hard to comprehend for most people, and yet it’s imperative upon those of us who work at the cutting edge of conservation and the interface of heritage stewardship to find ways to provide more access to the living and cultural heritage we help protect and promote.

As part of the project, we’ve developed a self-guided walk – the leaflet is available from the visitor centre. The walk begins at Inverewe House and heads to Loch Kernsary, which takes between 1½ to 2 hours along a well-marked footpath with gentle gradients. Whilst on the walk, visitors are encouraged to think about the surrounding wilderness and how it may change in the future. The findings will be incorporated into the research.

Kevin adds: ‘Inverewe is globally unique, a special place where our visitors can not only have a good time but also learn something new and help to inform the landscape direction for future generations to enjoy. We’re delighted to be involved with this exciting project and to have the chance to showcase it at our Sawyer Gallery’.