Discovering Neroche
Revealing the landscape
Michael Fairfax
As the Neroche Lead Artist, Michael Fairfax has been involved in many aspects of the Neroche project. Not only through the natural art described below, but through the 'Touching the Seasons' series of Art days, as well as being involved with the Digital Trail Guide along with Dane Watkins.
Link to Michael's Website
Link to Michael's Blog
Natural Art in the Neroche Area
To see the timelapse films of many of Michaels projects in the Blackdown Hills, follow this link to YouTube
BRITTY STONE AND ASH ROOT MEANDER
This subtle sculpture was built in May 2007, as a homage to the ruin of Britty Farm, which is gradually being reclaimed by nature.
The sculpture can be found in the left hand bank on the track leading down to Britty Farm from the south. On the bridleway between Staple Common and Mount Fancy. Grid Ref: ST 257 159
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ALDER ROOTS IN QUANTS
Michael created this natural artwork in August 2007.
Two Alders had fallen in opposite directions exposing the root plates and creating a natural path between them. Michael spent time carefully removing earth to reveal the delicate lattice structure of the roots.
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The sculpture can be found a short distance from the public bridleway at Quants. Grid Ref: ST 185 176
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OAK LIMB IN CHERT PEN
This sculpture was carved in Oct 2007 from an Oak limb that had fallen from the tree above, but not quite reached the ground.
It had to be carefully freed from its temporary home, hung up in the tree, with a winch and brute force!
The sculpture can be found on the right hand side of the bridleway that runs down across Quarts Moor (opposite Wallaces Farm shop). Grid Ref: ST 154 172
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THE MEASEL TREE
This natural sculpture was created in January 2008 using a Rowan Tree hidden in the Forest near Blackdown Common. The lower branches were pruned and short sections re-inserted into the trunk to create a textured surface.
The tree would have been felled in 2009 as part of the wider conifer felling in the area but will now be retained. Once felling is complete, the tree will become a focal point and simple seating will be provided around the tree.
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WOODCARVING IN QUANTS WOOD - June 2008
A fallen but suspended tree branch provided the canvas for a unique carving in the wood. The text reads " The long procession of years tied down in the slow growth of wood"
Near Forches Corner, grid ref: ST 186 176
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SPIKEY TREE - 2008
A pollarded beech tree in Quarts Moor. Carved and charred beech pods have been inserted into the tree following the natural shape within the tree.
The sculpture can be found by following the bank along the road to the east of the car park (opposite Wallaces Farm shop). Approx grid ref: ST 153 170
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TED ROOKE'S WORDS CARVED IN BARK - October 2008
Ted Rooke spent his childhood at Britty Farm in the 1920's. His words have been recorded as part of Stories from the Past. Michael took fragments of Ted's words and carved them in the trees surrounding Britty - Between Staple Common and Mount Fancy. Grid Ref: ST 257 160 .
Follow this link to YouTube to see video of Michael carving
The inscriptions read: "We always had a Christmas tree always had a goose", "1838 tithe 2.814 acres £383.10", "topper, he'd appear from nowhere, and go to nowhere"
