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New henge artwork hopes to connect people

Aimee DexterBBC News,
News imageRoo Lewis A chalk pathway leads to the centre right of the image and goes into a circle. Around it is a grass verge and chalk stones. Roo Lewis
Once opened the site will be used as a free space for formal and informal community gatherings and as a leisure space

A permanent chalk henge artwork that aims to connect communities with nature has opened.

Luton Henge at Marsh Farm, close to the town's ancient earthwork, Waulud's Bank, is made of eight standing stones and other sculptures.

Sourced from local natural materials, it was created in collaboration with the town's community.

Matthew Rosier, the artist behind the project, said: "This was going to be a temporary artwork originally but through the process of working on-site, the community workshops and researching the history, the idea for Luton Henge evolved."

The project was commissioned by the Chilterns National Landscape for Nature Calling and produced by the arts charity, Revoluton Arts.

Located at the site of a former BMX track, it features landworks and sculptures made from chalk, stone, earth and wood - the same materials that would have been used in prehistoric times.

It is hoped the project could encourage people to better understand and connect with their natural landscapes, to improve wellbeing and sense of belonging.

News imageRoo Lewis Matthew Rosier is standing on a grass verge in the middle looking towards the right. He is wearing a white top, blue jacket, and grey shorts, and has brown hair. Either side of him are chalk stones and trees in the background.Roo Lewis
Artists Matthew Rosier said nature and the Chilterns had inspired him to use forms of chalk to make the henge

Mr Rosier said the site was a "contemporary new gathering space for residents" in and around Luton to host activities.

"It feels important and timely to create a permanent place for these interactions to happen in Luton."

A central chalk circle was created and surrounded by a level grass space for people to gather.

A link to the Marsh House community centre was made by a chalk path, alongside 10 benches made from local wood and carved at community workshops.

News imageRoo Lewis A bench is sat on the left of the image in long grass. In the background are rows of trees and you can see tower blocks, which are blue, above the greenery. Roo Lewis
The landscape was replanted as a chalk grassland meadow in collaboration with local partners and volunteers

Lindsey Pugh, the creative director at Revoluton Arts, said: "The project inspires and improves wellbeing locally, fostering a sense of belonging to these special landscapes for more people."

To celebrate the opening on Saturday, there will be a dawn-to-dusk summer festival hosted by national arts organisation, Nature Calling.

Nature Calling said the festival would feature activities including "new rituals", music, food, workshops, art, and talks.

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