2025
[ film, photographs, map]
Click on the image to see the film
Approximately ten years ago, I had the opportunity to discover the intriguing Orford Ness, which inspired me to develop a project addressing the conflicts associated with this significant site. However, due to various challenges, including access to the land, unpredictable weather conditions, and personal circumstances, I opted to pause my plans. Recently, upon learning of the open call for film project proposals about Orford Ness from the Essex Book Festival, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to apply.
Synopsis: Orford Ness has a multifaceted history, having acted as a covert location for atomic bomb testing, a prisoner camp during times of war, and the home of Radio Caroline, a pirate radio station that has long represented freedom of speech. My proposed song, "The Silent Scream of Hares," which runs approximately 3'50", aims to encapsulate the essence of Orford Ness, reflecting on the contrast between its storied past and its present circumstances. Experiencing Orford Ness is truly impactful; one cannot help but appreciate the expansive views of rocks, wildflowers, and historical architecture while contemplating the pressing global issues of our time. This experience often evokes a profound sense of compassion and solidarity among us. In this context, hares serve as meaningful symbols of resilience, their silent screams encouraging us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the world around us.
This project has been commissioned by the Essex Book Festival and funded by the Arts Council of England and Historic England as part of the Beach of Dreams framework. Essex Book Festival approached me with a brief to collaborate on a project about Orford Ness, working alongside writer Emma Kittle-Pey and archivist Glenys Newton.
Project development:
To effectively design, build, and deploy our deliverables, the project has been systematically structured into pivotal stages:
Site Visits: We conducted impactful site visits in November 2024, January, and April 2025, thanks to the National Trust's generous decision to grant us exclusive access to this beautiful peninsula. Our journey was enriched by the expertise of National Trust volunteers, who provided invaluable environmental and historical insights, deepening our understanding of this remarkable location.
Deliverables: These visits culminated in the creation of a detailed Orford Ness map, along with stunning photography and captivating film footage.**Workshop and Community Engagement**: Recognizing the site’s unique significance, we engaged local students, alumni from the University of Essex and Suffolk, and the vibrant writer community of Colchester to participate in dynamic two-day workshops in January and May 2025. During these transformative workshops, participants immersed themselves in a variety of enriching activities: - Guided Walks/Discoveries: Participants explored the site under the expert guidance of National Trust volunteers, uncovering its hidden treasures. -
Creative Writing Sessions: Led by the talented Emma Kittle-Pey, these sessions inspired participants to craft compelling stories inspired by their experiences on Orford Ness. -
Sewing Sessions: Under the guidance of Glenys Newton, participants engaged in hands-on activities aimed at gathering insights and emotional connections to the site’s history. In addition to our on-site activities, we consulted vital resources from local museums and archives to enhance our understanding: - The National Archives houses essential documents regarding Orford Ness, including historical maps, plans, and records from its military past. - The Orford Museum, while not part of the formal archive, preserves a rich collection of artifacts and documents that tell the history of the area, including Orford Ness. - The Orford Saturday Farmers’ Market serves as a vibrant hub, offering further local perspectives and narratives. These collaborative efforts allowed us to unearth and honor the stories that live in the fabric of local historical memory.
Outcome: As a result, we produced a wealth of creative outputs, including poignant stories, evocative sketches, and beautifully crafted sewing pieces that bring to life the hares and birds of Orford Ness.
The Hare’s path: A revised map of Orford Ness
This is a revised map of Orford Ness. Visitors could use this map to visit the site, and by clicking on the QR code, they can access the stories written by the creative writing workshop participants about Orford Ness.
Synopsis: Orford Ness has a multifaceted history, having acted as a covert location for atomic bomb testing, a prisoner camp during times of war, and the home of Radio Caroline, a pirate radio station that has long represented freedom of speech. My proposed song, "The Silent Scream of Hares," which runs approximately 3'50", aims to encapsulate the essence of Orford Ness, reflecting on the contrast between its storied past and its present circumstances. Experiencing Orford Ness is truly impactful; one cannot help but appreciate the expansive views of rocks, wildflowers, and historical architecture while contemplating the pressing global issues of our time. This experience often evokes a profound sense of compassion and solidarity among us. In this context, hares serve as meaningful symbols of resilience, their silent screams encouraging us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the world around us.
This project has been commissioned by the Essex Book Festival and funded by the Arts Council of England and Historic England as part of the Beach of Dreams framework. Essex Book Festival approached me with a brief to collaborate on a project about Orford Ness, working alongside writer Emma Kittle-Pey and archivist Glenys Newton.
Project development:
To effectively design, build, and deploy our deliverables, the project has been systematically structured into pivotal stages:
Site Visits: We conducted impactful site visits in November 2024, January, and April 2025, thanks to the National Trust's generous decision to grant us exclusive access to this beautiful peninsula. Our journey was enriched by the expertise of National Trust volunteers, who provided invaluable environmental and historical insights, deepening our understanding of this remarkable location.
Deliverables: These visits culminated in the creation of a detailed Orford Ness map, along with stunning photography and captivating film footage.**Workshop and Community Engagement**: Recognizing the site’s unique significance, we engaged local students, alumni from the University of Essex and Suffolk, and the vibrant writer community of Colchester to participate in dynamic two-day workshops in January and May 2025. During these transformative workshops, participants immersed themselves in a variety of enriching activities: - Guided Walks/Discoveries: Participants explored the site under the expert guidance of National Trust volunteers, uncovering its hidden treasures. -
Creative Writing Sessions: Led by the talented Emma Kittle-Pey, these sessions inspired participants to craft compelling stories inspired by their experiences on Orford Ness. -
Sewing Sessions: Under the guidance of Glenys Newton, participants engaged in hands-on activities aimed at gathering insights and emotional connections to the site’s history. In addition to our on-site activities, we consulted vital resources from local museums and archives to enhance our understanding: - The National Archives houses essential documents regarding Orford Ness, including historical maps, plans, and records from its military past. - The Orford Museum, while not part of the formal archive, preserves a rich collection of artifacts and documents that tell the history of the area, including Orford Ness. - The Orford Saturday Farmers’ Market serves as a vibrant hub, offering further local perspectives and narratives. These collaborative efforts allowed us to unearth and honor the stories that live in the fabric of local historical memory.
Outcome: As a result, we produced a wealth of creative outputs, including poignant stories, evocative sketches, and beautifully crafted sewing pieces that bring to life the hares and birds of Orford Ness.
The Hare’s path: A revised map of Orford Ness
This is a revised map of Orford Ness. Visitors could use this map to visit the site, and by clicking on the QR code, they can access the stories written by the creative writing workshop participants about Orford Ness.
The map
Images from the trekking
Images from the workshops