Mapping Alney Island

This is one of three creative walking workshops that will be led by Andy R. Davies who is an Illustrator, Senior Lecturer in Illustration at the University of Worcester and a Doctoral Researcher at Loughborough University. 

Andy’s research is focused on how illustration can be used to investigate and communicate stories from the River Severn, which is how he has come to have such an interest in Alney Island. Andy will be assisted during the walking workshops by Tony Conder (Gloucester Civic Trust) who will act as a guide, providing a historical overview of this area of the city.

Alney Island is a fascinating place. Formed by the River Severn and often flooded, residents of Gloucester and those navigating the river have lived and worked here for centuries. The aim of the project is to raise awareness and appreciation of the island’s past, present and future. 

You will be part of a group that will explore the island, recording and sharing observations, memories and understanding of this place. You will be provided with a notebook and materials in which you can write and draw what you experience. If you are able to, please also bring a phone with a digital camera and an app that enables sound recording (such as ‘Voice Memos’ on an iPhone). |

In the weeks after the workshops, all of the different observations will be brought together by Andy into a co-created digital map artwork, full of your photos, words, sound recordings and drawings. This will then be displayed online during the autumn.

You will need to bring a water bottle and snacks, wear suitable clothing for walking, including sturdy boots/shoes and a small rucksack. Please be prepared for different weather conditions and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, sun block as well as a waterproof coat!

This is a free event but as capacity is limited please secure your space by booking here. Please note that this event is only for those aged 18 or over.

Alney Island can be reached by;
Train: 20 minutes (1 mile) walk from Gloucester station.
Bus: Lock House bus stop, Soldiers of Gloucestershire bus stop.
Car: Castlemeads Car Park

Accessibility;
The route is mostly flat and consists of footpaths that pass through the riverside meadows. Paths can be muddy and uneven and there are some gates and narrow bridges that cross ditches and streams. More details can be found here.

‘Mapping Alney Island’ is part of a broader student research project supported by Loughborough University and it has received a Voices Gloucester Community Grant.