Made in the Mardyke - Walk & Workshop 1 | RSPB Rainham Marshes Visitor Centre
Sports & Fitness
Walking
Join us on this first walk of the project as we walk the mouth of the Mardyke from Rainham RSPB. We will explore both the Mardyke’s origin and its singular originality – celebrating the river’s creativity in reusing waste material. For this circular walk by the Thames foreshore and back to the mouth of the Mardyke we examine the landscape with river eyes. It will allow us to feel, see and collect new hybrid materials along the pathway, that inspire us to make together masks, skins and creature costumes. The workshop following the walk will be a fun way to begin exploring the river, its neighbouring environments and other (non-human) inhabitants. This is the first in three creative walking and workshop events as part of a creative walking project will be led by walking artist Charlie Fox, in partnership with inspirallondon and made in the river collective, the project will run across October, February and May half terms 2024-25. We will walk and collect materials washed up in the Mardyke then imagine and new forms will be presented through a performative walk during the T100 Festival in May 2025. If you’re interested in walking, crafting with unique materials, costume, theatre, our local environment and the climate, this is for you! As we walk, explore and create together with people along the Thames Estuary, a new community of creaturely spirits will emerge from the flotsam and jetson of the river, made from this discarded and refound material; appearing as if by Mardyke magic, as we finally join in the T-100 adventuring and Beach of Dreams festival in May 2025. Made in the Mardyke is a unique walking project that invites us to look at the waste washed up in our local environment in different ways. As we wander, collect and examine, we will celebrate the creativity of the river and its ability to digest and incorporate new elements into its life cycles. It is a project made in collaboration with InspiralLondon CIC (London) and mitrcollective (Marseille). Duration: 2 hours walking, 1 hour workshopDistance: 2.4 milesGrading: ModerateTerrain: Uneven ground, bodies of water, the tendency for boggy ground, hills, overhanging trees or plants and wildlife.Accessibility: The walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and steps and slopes.Walk Leader: Charlie FoxHow to get here? By train Purfleet Train Station (frequent trains from London Fenchurch Street and Grays) is 20mins walk away By car Pay and display car park on-site Accessibility Accessibility: The walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and steps and slopes. T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact the team on hello@t100festival.co.uk Please note: Everyone needs to choose walks within their capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk they have chosen. Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. What to take Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for all weather! Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these please wear suitable and comfortable footwear – best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home! Make sure you bring snacks and a packed lunch with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink. Toilet facilities can be accessed at the start or at the end of the walk. Photos/ filming We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed, that’s absolutely fine. Please let a member of the T100 team know on the day.
Information Source: T100 Walking Festival | eventbrite