Walsall Memory Jar - Down the Arbo!

The environment

We used recycled/repurposed materials within our Craft Workshop and operated with a a leave no trace policy. The project helped to raise awareness of the beauty of the Arboretum. Keeping the Park beautiful and clean is integral to the wellbeing of Walsall - a common reflection amongst participants.

The local economy

The event brought further trade to the Arboretum, with many audience members visiting the Cafe in the Visitors Centre throughout the day.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We provided a creative platform for local Artists and engaged 4 volunteers.

Arts, culture & heritage

The Walsall Memory Jar website is a lively places for arts, culture, and heritage. It is a mantelpiece for the community, full of sentiment and creativity. It also serves as a useful resource to learn about the park's history. The Memory Jar celebration day was a big success. 250 people participated in workshops, and enjoyed performances by local artists who love the Arboretum too. A day of creativity and conversation, which was beautifully captured in the Memory Jar film. We wanted to create a digital space that could connect people, and keep memories alive. The launch day showed that there is local appetite for creativity, heritage and further celebration, in person - which was heartening.

Activity, health and leisure

Our project - certainly the celebration day, was designed to promote leisure and champion the Walsall Arboretum as a site of multi-generational use, aiming to encourage people of all ages to appreciate and engage with the park's offerings. Whether families enjoying picnics, children playing, or seniors participating in leisurely walks, our project celebrated the diverse ways different generations have utilised and benefitted from the park.