From the Earth – Digging Deeper was a creative programme bringing together local artists and communities across Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland. Funded sessions with thanks to BorderlandsCreative, who support communities in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland to actively collaborate in making and sharing the rich culture of our communities.
The aim was to explore how creativity, wellbeing, and connection to nature intersect. The project was built around four creative journeys, each offering hands-on workshops led by experienced local artists.
With artist Caroline Welch – intheboskywood
Noticing nature, slowing down, and creating blue-toned photographic prints.
Workshop 1: Learn basic cyanotype techniques, gather natural materials, and create images reflecting late spring/early summer at The Flower Patch.
“Compose and create a range of images that tell the story of Late Spring/early summer…”
Workshop 2: Build skills and develop personal creative expression connected to nature.
With Sandy Fulbrook – flowerjasper1964
Explore how scent affects memory, wellbeing, and creativity.
Workshop 1: Make incense cones using natural materials (herbs, fruits, flowers, spices, essential oils).
Workshop 2: Explore the science of scent, forest bathing, and how fragrance supports creative practice and emotional connection.
Focusing on deep listening, sensory awareness, and creating a shared sound record of the project.
Led by environmental sound artist Nell Catchpole – nellcatchpole
Across four seasonal sessions, participants will:
Take part in guided deep listening
Learn simple audio recording
Experiment with sound-making using natural materials
Contribute to a collective Sonic Journal or create their own short audio piece
“Contributing recordings… to a collective Sonic Journal documenting the Digging Deeper journey.”
With Wendy May-New – wendiwobblelollipop
Using natural pigments and watercolours to express personal connection to the site.
Explore organic forms, colours, and textures of the Flower Patch
Create imagery inspired by birdsong, wildlife, weather, and atmosphere
Use journalling techniques and outdoor observation to develop artwork
“We will record the location using mark making that responds to our emotions…”
Two workshops:
Journalling: Introduction to pigments, watercolours, layout, and techniques.
Art in Nature: Outdoor gathering, observing, and translating the site into visual pieces
We are a ‘Not for Profit’ social enterprise, growing seasonal cut flowers in Acklam, Middlesbrough.
Using social and therapeutic horticultural practice along with wellbeing activities we invite anyone suffering from the pressures of the modern world or feelings of stress and anxiety to get involved.