A Bath-based arts, nature and community project has scooped a national award.
Photo © Forest Of Imagination
Forest of Imagination has won the Inspire Future Generations Award for Strategic Vision by the Thornton Education Trust.
Forest of Imagination works with families, schools, artists, designers, educators and community partners to create accessible, nature-inspired experiences that invite imagination, play and environmental awareness.
The award recognised the 2025 project Imagining the Future of the Forgotten Land, which placed children and young people, particularly those from marginalised and under-served communities, at the heart of decision-making about the environments where they live, learn and play.
The pop-up event was held over 10 days as a proof of concept for a permanent art and nature park at Entry Hill in Bath, in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Councillor Sarah Warren, the local authority’s cabinet member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “Congratulations to the Forest of Imagination team and everyone involved in the 2025 project.
“We were delighted to support the event as a project partner. I’d also like to thank the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their funding, which was an element of the support we provided.
“The event was a fantastic example of our place shaping approach, demonstrating how council-owned spaces in our city can be reimagined for people and nature by engaging with local communities and key stakeholders – in this case children and young people.
“It also helped to address issues including inequalities in access to green space and one of the council’s key priorities, the ecological and climate emergencies.”
Forest of Imagination’s other key partners are Grant Associates, Bath Spa University, House of Imagination, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, The Egg Theatre, Bath Preservation Trust and Avon Wildlife Trust.
Co-founder of Forest of Imagination Dr Penny Hay, who is Professor of Imagination at Bath Spa University, said: “This recognition affirms our belief in imagination as a powerful force for change and transformation.
“When children and young people, especially those whose voices are too often unheard, are invited to imagine alongside artists, designers and civic leaders, we create environments that are more inclusive, more resilient and more connected to nature.
“We are proud to work with our local council and creative partners, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration for the benefit of the entire community.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: “Congratulations to the Forest of Imagination team on this well-deserved award. Their work shows the impact of putting children and young people at the heart of decisions about where they live, learn, and play.
“Projects like this bring nature within reach of more families, including those who too often face barriers to accessing arts, culture, and green spaces – something our new Child Poverty Action Plan is committed to addressing.
“This project also reflects the insights shared through the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly for Culture, held here in the west, demonstrating how communities can co-create inclusive and sustainable places.
“Initiatives that combine creativity, environmental awareness, and social inclusion will help our region’s progress towards a greener future that benefits everyone.”
