'A place that's returning to nature': Londoners build new woven community hub in the Coves

A group of Londoners have built a woven structure made of willows and other materials from a forest in the Coves to serve as a space for the community to gather and enjoy the natural space.

The Coves Collective, made up of artists and educators, erected the horseshoe-shaped wall using grapevines and sticks, along with flags that have messages calling for passersby to listen to the sounds of nature and add their touch to the installation.

"We wanted to have a spot that we could gather with community to offer arts-based workshops and a space where everyone could feel welcomed and connected to nature," said the group's co-founder Michelle Wilson.

"It's a place that offers people hope and gratitude, and it's lively and bustling. It's a place that's returning to nature."

Last weekend, the group held a workshop along a trail off Duke Street, led by artists Deborah Dewbury and Agnes Niewiadomski. Dozens attended, including people hiking nearby, who were drawn to the activity and picked up willows to start weaving, Wilson said.

The Coves began as a meander of Deshkan Ziibi — known as the Thames River — and later served as the site of a paint factory for decades. It's now a series of lush ponds home to a variety of plant and animal species, connected by a network of hiking trails. It's also designated an environmentally significant area by the City of London.

The Almatex Paint Factory operated from the 1940s until its closure in 2001 and emitted many toxic chemicals into surrounding water and land. Its damage still remains in the soil, said Wilson.

"It's so important to have this space here in the Coves, particularly because of the history of contamination. When we come here, we hold in our hands both stories of despair but also repair and remediation," she said.

"What's special about [the Coves] is it's not managed wilderness, like we see in a lot of green spaces in London and because it's not an official park, you discover it, so you feel like there's space to make it your own."

The structure was inspired by a man living rough who built a makeshift home at the site, where he would hang out with his friends until it was dismantled. Although he has since found housing, he attended last week's workshop and contributed to the installation. He told Wilson how happy he was to watch the site become a gathering spot once again.

"It seemed like this great loss but it also made an opening for this kind of celebratory place to gather. It felt serendipitous and he was happy to have this space be a place that's welcoming and joyful," she said.

Selena Horrell and her daughter Noni Day, 11, regularly attend the group art workshops and spend hours weaving the wall.

Watching wildlife return to the site has been a healing experience for Horrell, who's a professional educator who teaches students about wildlife. It made bonding with the group trying to protect the site even more special, she said.

"We don't live far from the coves, and we walk this area often so it's nice to see that even though it's not really stewarded as a park, there are still humans who are caring for this place and advocating for it to make sure it stays healthy," said Horrell.

Day appreciated knowing the structure is built with materials that will naturally decompose if it is ever destroyed or torn down, she said, adding that she wants others to add some more colour to the installation.

"I hope people can enjoy this area that we've created and maybe even add on to it," said Day. "The space will always be open as long as it's here, and we've left the materials here for anyone who would like to come and weave."