Earth narratives: nature and community in her words

Working with poet Hafsah Aneela Bashir, the project brings together texts and imagery created by women from Burton and surrounding areas. Their words shaped through a series of Spring and Summer workshops, speak of connections to nature, place, faith and community.

Centred mainly around the Washlands, one of Burton’s most significant green spaces, the sessions brought together creative writing, walking, mindfulness and shared conversation, encouraging a deeper engagement with local landscapes and with one another.

The result is a collection of artworks that are both deeply personal and powerfully collective. Through poetry created by the women presented on billboards, accompanied by a display of texts and further reflections at Burton Library, the project roots their words of womanhood, faith and the natural world within the everyday fabric of the town.

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Reflecting on the project, Hafsah Aneela Bashir said: “When first commissioned for the Earth Narrative project, my time was spent getting to know the women and what was of importance to them. Our sessions together curating and delivering creative experiences in nature fostered a deep and meaningful connection both to each other and to the beautiful landscape of the National Forest around us.

I felt enriched by the company just as the women felt enriched with poetry taking on new meaning in their lives. Having their incredible body of work displayed publicly in and around Burton upon Trent will no doubt nurture the sense of belonging that art has the ability to create.”

Art and nature are a powerful combination. Research shows that creative engagement in natural environments can build confidence, support self-esteem and improve mental wellbeing.   

Through Earth Narratives many of the women forged new connections to the green spaces around them, developing their sense of place within the National Forest and sparking both their creativity and skills in the ‘art of noticing’

Earth Narratives Locations:

Earth Narratives artworks presented from 8 September – 4 October 2025 at the following locations -

Digital billboards featuring haikus & poetry extracts: 48 Station Street, Evershed Way (what3words – putty.frock.intend) & Horninglow Road North (what3words – eaten.trash.poker)

Physical billboard: Branston Road (what3words – reap.pills.certified)

Exhibition: Burton Library, Riverside.

Earth Narratives has been commissioned by the National Forest as part of a wider arts programme for Burton and Coalville creatively connecting people with nature and green spaces. Earth Narratives has been developed in collaboration with Burton Women’s Collective, supported by Staffordshire County Council Libraries & Communities Service and made possible through public funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.

Photos by Romy Whai Films.