About the event

When we look at a tree we are only seeing half of the plant, half the beauty, half of the ecosystem it hosts! Join us for a Walk Under the Trees to adventure underground into the banks of the Walthamstow Wetlands (through our imaginations).

This 2 hour guided walk between the reservoirs sits somewhere between mindful, playful and scientific. Together we’ll consider the soil and marvel at the microscopic and hidden ecology around the trees and beneath our feet.

Soil is one of the least understood parts of nature and only now getting the recognition it deserves as vital for biodiversity and climate resilience. Wetlands hold between 20%-30% of the earth's total soil carbon despite occupying 5–8% of its land surface. Soil also provides a social, cultural and creative sense of belonging and connection to place.

After-all, what does it mean to feel rooted?

As the journey progresses we’ll discover the characters that exist below ground and learn a bit about their relationships. We’ll also take time to observe the patterns and interactions of aboveground animals, fungi, plants and water which often go unnoticed.

About the walk:

The content isn’t designed for children but can be inclusive for approximate age 7+.

There is a wheelchair-accessible alternative to the main route of the walk, and there will be regular stops and rest points on the walk.

The format is informal and everyone will be welcome to share what they know or imagine of the world underfoot.

This event is led by artist and educator Poppy Flint and part of an ongoing project called Underfoot.

Photo credit: Poppy Flint