Creating the New Wood Symphony

Brought to you by Global Jamming CIC

Project Overview

Creating the New Wood Symphony – The World of Invertebrates, an innovative arts and nature project that connected local children and communities with the developing woodland at Westmoor, on the edge of Bodmin Moor. The project combined environmental stewardship, outdoor learning and musical composition, using creativity to inspire a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and natural heritage. The initiative centred on Altarnun Primary School and involved pupils, educators, families, volunteers and members of the wider community.

What took place?

The project began with visits to the newly planted woodland at Westmoor, where participants explored the site, planted and cared for native trees, and took part in practical biodiversity activities. Children engaged in storytelling walks, sound walks and wildlife observation sessions, using the landscape and its invertebrate species as inspiration for creative work.

Working alongside experienced practitioners from Global Jamming CIC, pupils learned about the biodiversity of Bodmin Moor and the importance of often-overlooked invertebrates within healthy ecosystems. They experimented with natural sounds, rhythms and melodies, drawing creative inspiration from the moorland and woodland environment.

Back in the classroom, the children developed these ideas into an original musical composition. Through a structured process of composing, arranging and recording, they created the first movement of what would become The New Wood Symphony. Using Cornish language elements, subject-specific vocabulary and musical notation, pupils contributed directly to the development of the piece. The project culminated in a public performance, supported by recordings, notation and film documentation to ensure the work could be shared with wider audiences.

Outcomes

The project successfully brought together environmental education, community participation and creative expression. Twenty-five primary school pupils, along with teachers, families and volunteers, actively engaged with the woodland and its surrounding landscape. Through hands-on experiences in nature and collaborative music-making, participants developed a greater appreciation of Bodmin Moor’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

The project delivered a lasting collection of creative outputs, including an original musical composition, recorded performances, written notation and a documentary film. These resources were shared through performances, digital platforms and community networks, extending the reach of the project beyond those directly involved.

In addition, the woodland itself continued to grow as a long-term environmental legacy. Tree planting and habitat enhancement activities contributed to increased biodiversity at the site, creating a valuable natural resource for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Conclusion