Jetty – Northey Island, National Trust – Current Ongoing
Conceptual installation representing sea level rise
| Community engagement project 2024 – 2026 (ongoing)
Recycled materials: Oak digger mats
Currently under construction, ‘Jetty’ is a landscape-integrated public artwork developed for Northey Island as part of a wider walking-led engagement programme with the National Trust.
The installation marks the future tidal reach of the island and is positioned deliberately inland, within grassed landscape, to act as a physical and symbolic threshold in response to sea-level rise. Constructed from reclaimed oak digger mats, recycled telegraph poles and recyclable steel fixings, the work uses reused materials to connect historic working landscapes with future environmental change. Surface engravings reference the tidal mud and textures found on site.
The project is informed by a creative walking and research programme designed and led by Sara Hayes. Artist-led walkshops, and local drop-in sessions explored how people access and experience the island, perceptions of change, and how public art could support connection to place. Engagement activities included a walk to the location and family art sessions, printing with plants, salt clay workshop and events delivered with National Trust staff and creative experts.
Insights gathered through walking, conversation and making directly inform the final design and location of the artwork. The project received regional media coverage, including BBC News (April 2024): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw07nw22e6po
Images:
Main pic AI rendering of the Jetty installation based on drawings and renderings.
Jetty concept drawings / mood board:
Delivering walking events on Northey Island is subject to the tides and walking there and back!
Project ongoing more info coming soon! Check social media for more info @thepublicartcompany