Press Release

Get arty at Wakehurst

There's a great opportunity to get out in the countryside and get arty this month as Wakehurst Place organises a series of special events as part of the national Big Draw.

Whether you are a budding artist, or haven't picked up a drawing pencil since school, The Bigger Picture event at Kew's country garden at Ardingly in West Sussex, being held on Saturdays October 14, 21, and 28 promises something for everyone.

The Big Draw, part of the Campaign for Drawing, is all about encouraging more people of all ages and abilities to get drawing and have fun at the same time.

At Wakehurst Place organisers will be making the most of natural materials and the magnificent setting to encourage visitors who want to get creative.

The Millennium Seed Bank Project at Wakehurst, where scientists are working to safeguard plants threatened with extinction, will also provide a rich source of inspiration.

Activities will be taking place around the garden on each of the Bigger Picture days from 10.30am to 3.30pm including:

• 'Painting' Wakehurst landscapes in huge picture frames created on the ground using sand, chalk, charcoal and other natural materials.
• A huge montage of a view of Wakehurst will be created, with visitors encouraged to draw a section and add it to the growing picture that will evolve throughout the day.
• Taking a closer look at the complexity and beauty of seeds and pollen and decorating banners celebrating the work of the Millennium Seed Bank Project.
•   Visitors will be encouraged to do their own drawings as they wander around the gardens and put them on display in the visitor centre for everyone to enjoy.

Christine Newton, Head of Learning at Wakehurst Place, said: "This is the third year we have taken part in the Big Draw and it is always really popular.

"A lot of people say they can't draw and haven't drawn for years - but once they start they often surprise themselves. There is so much inspiration at Wakehurst and it is wonderful to see people of all ages sketching around the grounds and getting involved in creating artworks which everyone can enjoy."

The Big Drawn is one of a series of special events happening at Wakehurst this autumn. Others include:

Autumn Colour Weekends, October 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29

Special Autumn Colour Weekends are being held over three weekends when the colours will be at their peak.   There will be guided long and short walks around the gardens and, on Sundays, minibuses will provide tours around the gardens to ensure those less able to walk around the extensive grounds don't miss out on any of the seasonal highlights.

Meet the Expert , October 14-15                        

Learn more about the rare Wollemi Pine, nicknamed the 'dinosaur plant', from plant guru Mark Taylor. Wakehurst was home to one of the first Wollemi pine trees in the UK, however as a result of conservation work to protect this endangered species, more plants have been brought into the country and, for the first time, there will be an opportunity to purchase your own Wollemi to grow at home. Mark will be sharing his expertise with visitors in the plant centre each day from 11am to 5pm

Wakehurst Place, at Ardingly, four miles north of Haywards Heath is open daily, from 10am. Accompanied children are admitted free at Wakehurst and the Big Draw activities are free for all garden visitors. Tel 01444 890466 www.kew.org

--ends--

MEDIA enquiries to Sarah Bell or Christine Newton 01444 894055 or 01444 894067.

For further Press information please contact: