Campfield Marsh Bridge Installation including the work of the Solway Nature Explorers
Peat Mill to the north of Millrigg Farm, Glasson Moss 26th April 1949, Image reference: EAW022906
Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding obstructs flows of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing rates of decomposition so that the organic matter trapped in the peat becomes partially preserved. At a rate of 1mm per year it takes thousands of years for peat bogs to build up these layers of partially decayed organic matter. The linear design of the bridge represents these layers of peat as well as the drainage channels carved into the peat landscape that can be seen in the aerial photographs. The layers of charred plaques held in place between the green oak rails have been etched with prints made by the Solway Nature Explorers. These prints, based on the Solway Nature Explorers own observations of the landscape and the time they spent here, have been carved into the surface using a CNC router machine at the BEC FabLab in Cockermouth. Throughout this project we have tried to use a mixture of old and new technology, the computerised router system is an example of a modern day cutting technique and is considered a new technology much like the planes and the cameras were considered to be cutting edge technology at the time the photographs were taken. The process of charring the oak is an ancient technique and serves both an aesthetic and a practical purpose. It seals the surface of the wood as well as blackening it, mimicing the dark colour of the peat bogs and allowing us to carve through to reveal the green oak beneath.