Roughly this time last year we heard that Skipton BID and The Artery’s application to York and North Yorkshire’s Combined Authority, Mayoral Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund had been successful.
To be eligible for funding, projects had to be ready to be delivered within a short time period. Our project had already been a year in the making. It started with our Innovate UK Creative Catalyst project. The aim was to explore what would happen when The Artery artists worked directly with businesses to find solutions to thorny issues. Skipton BID invited us to work with levy payers, retailers and hospitality businesses, to explore a perennial issue for the town.
There has long been a perception that visitors to Skipton follow the same path from the car park at Jerry Croft to the High Street and back, rarely venturing to other parts of the town.
What we found was:
Through creative workshops, we explored community and environment. Feedback pointed to improvements needed in:
- Marketing of Skipton as a whole
- Signposting
- Lighting
- Maps and Trails.
There were various excellent ideas but the one chosen for the Mayoral Fund Bid was Buzzing Skipton, working with artists, businesses and the local community to introduce native planting to improve four unloved parts of the town. The thinking was that by subtle improvements, these places would feel safe to explore.
The project was fascinating with lots of challenges, and lots of unexpected learning.
A key issue for this project was that the areas chosen had been neglected for some time, so were not quick fixes. When work started other problems became apparent. Fortunately, the project had the support of an experienced gardener who was not fazed by these issues.
This project highlighted a more fundamental problem for Skipton. Skipton in Bloom has looked after the public planting in Skipton for 20 years. This group of dedicated volunteers has dwindled over the years and has now disbanded, although founding members remain committed to taking care of the planting.
The planting introduced by Buzzing Skipton involves more perennials and needs more care on an ongoing basis. There are now discussions around planting/gardening community workshops to engage more of the community with the care of the town.
We ran a series of artist and community workshops alongside the planting to increase engagement and over the next three weeks families can take part in a trail, devised by The Artery artist, story teller and gardener, Sarah De Nurcheylo.
This project was delivered by Skipton BID, The Artery and SELFA and Stepping Stones with the support of Skipton Town Council.
What Worked Well
- Creative activity alongside planting sessions increased engagement
- Family-focused events generated strong attendance.
- Stepping Stones partnership was fantastic and the project would not have been possible without their support.
- Engagement of SELFA children’s charity in Skipton meant children learned about planting and wildlife.
- Visible improvements generated positive emotional response.
- Project delivered by a small but committed group of people.
- Lasting results
Now in summer we can see the difference the project has made.
