Multicultural Forest exhibition at the New Forest Centre

May 13, 2013 - PRLog -- A new exhibition at the New Forest Centre celebrates this renowned landscape and how it is perceived by its neighbouring multicultural communities in Southampton -through photography, art and paintings.

Natalie Fisher, Interpretation Officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘The aim of this project is for members of the communities to come and experience the New Forest and reflect on what makes it so special to them – we’re really pleased the group wanted to celebrate their art in the form of an exhibition.’

Andy Lai, a Mosaic Community Champion, who led one of the visits to the New Forest, said: ‘To me, the New Forest is a paradise. It only takes me 30 minutes to get there from my home. I can walk and enjoy the lovely scenery without any worry. It is a safe place with little traffic.

‘When I take a group of people from the Chinese community to the New Forest, I can see the joy and happiness in their faces. You cannot buy this satisfaction anywhere.’  

Latha Davda lives in Southampton and was part of a Mosaic visit. She said: ‘The group’s visit to the New Forest was an eye opener for me. Although I have passed through it several times, I did not venture in as I wasn’t sure whether the roads were private; the group outing removed that barrier. The colours, smells and textures of the Forest were enchanting and I have since visited the Forest several times with my family and friends. We are very lucky to have such great treasure on our doorstep.’

‘From our viewpoint: the New Forest as experienced by diverse cultures’ is a free exhibition at the New Forest Centre. It is on until Sunday 2 June 2013 and the Centre is open daily from 10am-5pm. For more information visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/events.

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Notes to Photo Editor:
Image from the exhibition taken by Latha Davda

Notes to Editor:
Mosaic is a project led by the Campaign for National Parks based around all 10 English National Parks. Its aim is to help people from black and minority ethnic groups discover these wonderful places.
The Mosaic Project’s aims in the New Forest National Park:

Establish a network of Community Champions in Southampton – people who will promote the National Park within black and minority ethnic groups in the city.

Ensure the National Park Authority and other New Forest organisations are welcoming and have positive links with black and minority ethnic communities.

About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:

Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect

Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:

Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk (mailto:karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk%20)