Tracing Time Through Holyrood Park: Autumn

Explore Holyrood Park in a series of slow journeys that invite close attention to place and time. Consider landscapes, living systems and human stories through shifting seasons and weather, guided by science and arts specialists. In shared journeys, observation and discussion, you will develop creative field notes using drawing, photography, mapping and writing, to form a personal and collaborative exploration. There is a companion course in Term 2 (Spring).

This course takes place outdoors. The terrain of Holyrood Park presents some access challenges, but we can make reasonable adjustments and we aim to make participation accessible to all. You will need a field notebook and basic materials to record notes. Out of class time, you will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

We welcome learners from all backgrounds and are committed to a respectful, inclusive and supportive learning community. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. 

Learning in this course is hands-on and immersive. You will learn and develop skills through practice, discovery, engagement with materials and techniques and interaction with both the place and your fellow learners. If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Recognise the interconnections between landscape, nature and people in Holyrood Park.
• Apply observational and recording skills to record and communicate your response to the environment in autumn.
• Demonstrate transferable skills in creative thinking, independent research, and collaborating and communicating ideas that connect science and artistic practice.

This course is designed for anyone interested in exploring their creative response to a special place. We will take time to immerse ourselves in diverse aspects of landscape, nature and people. It will particularly appeal to those who enjoy being outdoors, engaging with environmental themes, and developing creative practice informed by scientific observation. No prior scientific knowledge or creative experience is required: just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experiment.

We will intend to be outdoors in all weathers, following routes through Holyrood Park that may be rough or slippery. There are steps and steep inclines in places. You will need warm and waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear.

Although the terrain of Holyrood Park can present some access challenges, many of the areas we use are more accessible than other fieldwork locations. The flexible and responsive structure of the course allows for reasonable adjustments to be made, encouraging participation for learners with additional mobility needs and wheelchair users. Alternative routes, rest points, and adaptable activities will support inclusive engagement.

We welcome all, regardless of background or destination, and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among our learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. It is suitable for learners from a range of backgrounds who have an interest in both the natural environment and creative practice.

Participants may have prior experience in art, design, or related creative fields, or may come from environmental, scientific, or community-based contexts.

A willingness to be outdoors in varied weather is important, as is an openness to exploring new ways of learning, observing and responding to a natural space.

Once the course is confirmed to run, you will receive a list of materials to bring to class. Please consider this additional cost when booking. We aim to keep the cost of materials reasonable whilst ensuring you have the right tools. Costs may vary, depending on the course. Further information will be provided by your course teacher.

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, a range of relevant sources will be shared.

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study. You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.