32 PROJECT STRUCTURE The Ripple Effect was designed with two core phases. Our project methodology and evaluation framework were formed around the New Economics Foundation’s Five Steps to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give. In 2022 the group explored the theme of ‘Telling the Story of Salisbury’s relationship with the River Avon, through people, place and purpose.’ In the second year, the theme was ‘Becoming a good ancestor’, which included sessions with The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The process of walking, observing, recording and mapping in creative ways raised awareness of the environment, the participants’ wellbeing and how they recorded their responses to what they were experiencing. From observing fish ‘rescues’ and vole releases as part of the scheme’s environmental management to holding Palaeolithic handaxes and discussing deep time with our geoarchaeologists, woven into the design of every experience was the theme of personal resilience and recovery, which directly mirrors that of the environment. The themes also allowed participants and project staff to immerse themselves in the finer details of the scheme to understand how it will improve resilience to flooding in Salisbury. Access to and engaging with experts meant people heard first-hand from risk management authorities about the importance of the work and what direct action they can take to raise awareness within the community. ‘From the sessions, I have been informed of The River Park Scheme in a way I could never have imagined. Being taken to the source. Meeting those involved and having the scheme explained from the horse’s mouth as it were.’ – Participant REAPING THE BENEFITS Using archaeology and heritage to engage the group resulted in more understanding of the area’s history, how the landscape has changed through time and how, over thousands of years, people have changed with the river. Sessions included walks through the scheme site, with geoarchaeologists discussing how the landscape has changed to ‘river dipping’ – identifying and drawing the species that help ecologists identify how healthy a river is. To embed their sense of place and responsibility participants were invited to share their experiences and memories of the River Avon and other rivers. Developing this personal connection to the project engendered a sense of improved wellbeing, in line with research that shows that engagement with ‘blue’ and ‘green’ therapy can improve mental health. A walk along the riverbank to discover how the scheme will improve resilience to flooding ‘Blue’ and ‘green’ therapy can improve mental health A creative panel of the resulting Ripple Exhibition
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzI0Mzk=