Nature Club, led by artist Siobhán Madden of The Natural School of Art, brings residents of Rathcoran Housing Estate together to explore the intersection of nature, creativity, and community.
Nature Club began as the Garden Club, facilitated by the residency of Suzie Cahn of Carraig Dulra Permaculture Farm. Garden Club focused on planting winter crops like onions, garlic, and broad beans, and the initiative has now blossomed into the Nature Club, which implements a wider exploration of wild plants, seed saving, and tree cultivation through establishing a Tree Nursery.
Participants have also embraced the creative potential of the garden, producing natural dyes, crafting wild meadow cordage, creating leaf tiles, and exploring the Ogham language of trees. These activities celebrate Ireland’s natural heritage while fostering connection and artistic expression.
A collaboration between Wicklow Arts Office and The Brain Health Village, Nature Club is part of an initiative to integrate brain health into housing and community development. "The Brain Health Village project, spearheaded by Respond in collaboration with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) Trinity College Dublin, represents a pioneering effort to integrate brain health principles into housing design and community development."
These projects prioritise community inclusion and well-being, using the arts as a powerful means of engagement. Through Garden Club and Nature Club, residents strengthen their connection to each other and the environment, nurturing their creativity and long-term brain health.
