SVA at King's Wood

Kings Wood is a 1500-acre forest in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Challock, Kent. It is managed by Forest Enterprise for conservation, recreation and timber production.

The forest is an ancient woodland site with both broad-leaved trees and conifers: species include sweet chestnut, beech, Corsican pine and Douglas fir. It is home to a huge diversity of flora and fauna, including fallow deer, adders, nightjars, green woodpeckers, lesser and greater spotted woodpeckers, foxgloves, bluebells and woodspurges.

Since 1994, SVA has commissioned artists to make sculptures within the forest and also other kinds of artworks. Artists who are particularly responsive to the history and character of this working forest are invited to spend long periods here. As a consequence of their close and sympathetic involvement with the forest, they use natural materials found in the immediate area, and engage with seasonal and growing cycles.

Their use of natural materials means that the sculptures in King's Wood gradually change and will all, eventually, become part of the natural forest cycle of decay and regeneration. Day to day, they are transformed by light, weather and seasonal occurrences. As well as sculptures marked on the map, visitors may see the 'ghosts' of previous sculptures now being reclaimed by nature. You might also spot experimental pieces made during SVA's education workshops.

SVA's work at King's Wood includes:

  • Artists' Commissions: constructions, growing sculptures, photography, performance and film
  • Publishing artists' books and organising [their] exhibitions
  • Guided walks
  • Creative workshops for school and community groups
  • Collaborations with local industry, schools and environmental groups
  • International student placements and skill-development bursaries
  • Professional training for artists, caseworks and environmentalist
  • Consultancy

 

Stour Valley Arts Limited is a registered charity in England, No. 1086297 and a Limited Company registered in England No. 4062269
Registered office: King’s Wood Forest Office, Buck Street, Challock, Kent TN25 4AR