A new generation of artists has turned its gaze to the future, reimagining what the countryside could become as young people blend creativity with environmental awareness.
Pupils from Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, have been working alongside students from King Edward VI Community College and local artists on an environmental project exploring the region’s landscapes.
The initiative encouraged pupils to engage with their surroundings and express their experiences through art. As part of the programme, students visited Beesands, where they discussed storm damage and the cost of repairs, while also taking part in Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen sessions and craft work.
For their final task, groups produced mixed-media pieces imagining how the local landscape should look in 50 years. They later presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, contributing to a wider environmental consultation aimed at capturing young people’s views.
Pupils were united in their vision, expressing a preference for a more rural setting with fewer buildings, reduced concrete use and less human impact, alongside a stronger focus on self-sustainability.
The project formed part of the school’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing students to develop practical skills while taking part in discussions around creativity, sustainability and the environment.
Nicola Perrott, assistant principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity.
“Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world.
“It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum.”
Matthew Shanks, chief executive at Education South West, added: “It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them.
“This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking.
“By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom.”
