River
This collaboration between artists and young people sends a message of love to our river. With its natural tones and flowing energy, the multimedia composition of acrylic artworks, with fish pasted on is riven through with a series of haikus that describe the joyful qualities of the river ending with a powerful call to action to safeguard the future of its resident species.
Kingfisher flies by Otters like playing around Chasing Each Other
Fresh water flowing Salmon, trout and eels swim by Gliding peacefully
Mother of nature Gushing rushing waves crashing Against the water
Rushing and gushing Calming and stress relieving Stop pollution now
The River Sid Catchment Group are champions for our wonderful river Sid working hard to monitor and improve water quality, habitat and climate change resilience.
A group of nine young people worked with our lead artist-Caitlin Hennessy, street artist Steve McCracken, project lead Emily Hobson-Martin, youth workers from Young Devon and other members of the River Sid Catchment Group , a multi- faceted project combining the river and the arts.
The resulting piece utilises acrylic artworks and haikus created by the young people, which were digitally combined by Emily, with Kate's composition.
The young people of the Sid Valley would like to send a message of love and support to the river, whilst asking those in power to protect it, as its own natural entity with the right to thrive and continue to give life to the many species who call it home.
Working hard to monitor and improve water quality, habitat and climate change resilience, in 2024 they identified a need to get the local community engaged with the river and its natural surroundings. Thanks to the East Devon National Landscape Communities Project Fund, the River Sid Outreach project was born.
Emily Hobson Martin
Project LeadEmily Hobson- Martin is a Sidbury based youth worker, author and member of the River Sid Catchment Group. Studying for a Msc in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health at the University of Edinburgh, she specialises in science communication and freshwater habitats, with a focus on encouraging environmentally positive behaviour through the arts and engagement.
Caitlin Hennessy
ArtistCaitlin is a Sidmouth-based artist. She has a Masters in Contemporary Art Practice from Plymouth University. She works in oils, acrylics, print and text, with nature and landscape being her main focus.
Steve McCracken
ArtistSteve McCracken is the incredible artist behind the brightly coloured birds that can be found through the streets of Exeter aka None Here. He shows how art can be used positively to brighten people’s days and create a magical world for children.
River Sid Catchment Group
The river Sid flows through the heart of the Sid Valley. Local volunteers have come together to create The River Sid Catchment Group to conserve and protect the river and its ‘catchment’.
East Devon National Landscapes
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) is a unique landscape, full of contrast and colour, diverse and rich in wildlife – a landscape, shaped by centuries of farming, with a natural beauty that’s so precious it’s protected in the nation’s interest.