The FLOW project began 8 years ago in the closing stages of the latest River Exe flood defence works through Exeter as part of the reinstatement of disturbed land. The local public was engaged to plan and then help plant a ribbon and clusters of fruit and nut trees through Riverside Valley Park from Exwick Mill to Double Locks. This was to provide a corridor for pollinator insects and other wildlife as well as to attract anyone to harvest and enjoy the edible produce. Up to 2020 the project was in partnership with the Environment Agency, Exeter City Council, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter College with additional funding from the Arts Council, Exeter and East Devon Growth Point, and Coastal Recycling. In 2020 FLOW became a Community Interest Company and continues to look after the orchard with occasional new planting, pruning and tree care. It also organises seasonal celebrations and other events in the spaces between the trees such as the annual wassail, wildlife walks, outdoor music, picnics, and harvest ceilidhs. A map book detailing where everything was planted was produced at the outset and this year has been revised and reprinted, to be launched at our opening event at Exeter Phoenix.

The exhibition shows photographs taken over the years accompanied by words and displayed on an acrylic painted canvas backdrop depicting the Exe in map form, with the seasons represented from left to right. The January wassail features heavily at both ends!

Venue: Walkway Gallery

Community based exhibitions from local groups, projects and creative activities.