Hooke Park -Bluebells and Buildings

Trying to plan a trip in advance to coincide with bluebells is a tricky business with our unpredictable weather. We arranged a visit to Hooke Park for its unusual combination of beautiful woodland and fascinating architecture but when the time came it was clear the bluebells were not going to play their part and we had to postpone.  

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because just as they came into bloom the Architectural Association held their Open Day at the site on 27th April. 

Hooke Park, east of Beaminster, is a woodland site where the AA teach architecture students to get off their computers and get stuck into the reality of ‘design and make’ using the natural materials of the forest. The woods are open to the public at any time to walk in the park or stroll around the outside of the ever evolving collection of extraordinary buildings , but on Open Day everything was open and 2 hour tours were on offer. The natural forest materials used in construction are mostly exposed and visible inside and give rise to some wonderful organic shapes.

Several of our group wandered off into the woods to photograph the bluebells and the fresh leaves that were just appearing.

A hardy few actually followed the fascinating, detailed explanatory tour from start to finish while others explored the interiors on their own. It’s quite a challenge to photograph them as there are all sorts of distracting bits and pieces around.

Meanwhile, in the true spirit of Bridport Camera Club, some of us found some chairs to photograph…….

Take a look at the AA's website  Hooke Park – AA School's woodland campus.

They also host Hannah Fletcher who is researching sustainable ways to develop analogue film using the natural products from the forest.

The Sustainable Darkroom – H a n n a h (hannahfletcher.com)