Students from SHARE in front of an installation in Lark Hill Park.
‘This is our park’ was a unique collaboration between The National Archives, Wandsworth Heritage Service and SHARE, a local charity based in Battersea which provides training and employment support for disabled people.
Students were given images of parks, flora and fauna from both the Wandsworth Heritage Service and The National Archives collections. They were encouraged to use them as inspiration to create their own park design. The aim was to encourage the SHARE students to learn about their local parks and get a sense of their local and National Archives service.
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SHARE students observe maps at Wandsworth Archives.
‘This is our park’: A community well-being project
‘This is our park’ is a unique collaboration between The National Archives, Wandsworth Heritage Service and SHARE, a local charity based in Battersea which provides training and employment support for disabled people.
Our parks are an essential part of the community space and can help contribute to local identity. They are built for everyone; they provide an opportunity to enjoy nature, a place to engage in a social or individual activity, and a space to exercise.
In a similar way, archives are social spaces where individuals and groups can search, experience and delve into the collective memories of people and places. They can inspire curiosity and wonder. The National Archives has recently revealed its new four-year strategy – Archives for Everyone – and ‘This is our park’ is one project which aims to fulfil that ambition.