The ‘Walking Forest’ is up and running

A ‘Walking Forest’ was parading through the streets of Coventry this weekend, protesting over lost trees.

 This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and has been in the works for over ten years, with the hope of honouring and appreciating the activists by planting new woodland by the year 2028.

 Feminists from Coventry were seen to be carrying huge tree parts which were cut down from the local countryside. The foliage was cut down in order to “widen the road” in favour of HS2.

Our reporter Henry Robinson attended the event on a section of its journey and managed to speak to protestors.

One attendee, Brigit, was thrilled with the large turnout and support for the campaign.

‘It’s good. I’m really loving it that so many people are joining us, walking with us’.

She went on to say how good it felt to ‘address eco issues and climate change.’

Henry also spoke to Amber, the Project Producer for City of Culture Trust. She commended the ‘buzz’ around the city.

She also stressed the importance of the movement bringing women together and giving them a ‘strong voice to stand up and have a space’.

HS2 is a new railway, which will link differing parts of the UK: London, the Midlands, the North and South of Scotland. It is the largest transport framework for the UK in terms of monetary value and cost. It is also the first brand new railway line since the Victorian Era.

‘Walking Forest’ arrived in Coventry as part of the City’s City of Culture 2021 celebrations. Starting at Spencer Park at 8:30 on Friday morning, the movement commenced at Sherbourne Valley Allotments at dusk on Saturday evening.

Labelled as a ‘performance action’, the Walking Forest passed through the city centre demonstrating both grief over losing the natural world and strength and courage among women.

The tree’s journey hit a number of important landmarks, such as the Coventry City Council House. There were various events held by the group, including a ‘Speakers Corner’ for women of all ages to receive aid in finding their voices.