“If Trees Could Talk Devon” Contributors weave their way through the Devon County Show

Siblings collaborating whilst contributing to the community felted woodland art piece at Devon County Show.
Abi learned to hand spin and then crocheted her wool into a bookmark.
Claire Marchetti of Crediton volunteered, and really enjoyed makinga. sample needle felted tree in the Innovation tent at Devon County Show.
Sir Harry Studholme, Honorary Treasurer of Devon County Show is also an advisory board member for “If Trees Could Talk Devon” and participating in a ‘Talk Across Borders’ with Harry Barton, CEO of Earthwatch Europe on 15 July 2026, as part of the Festival.
Three Arts Organisation Directors enjoyed some shared silliness at the Show. Pictured Left to Right, Andy Williamson, Ashburton Arts Centre, Vanessa Miles, Well Image CIC, Catherine West, Significant Seams CIC.

Catherine West and four Significant Seams volunteers, Vanessa Mile of WellImage and two of their volunteers, and Andy Williamson of Ashburton Arts Centre manned three mini exhibitions and offered three activities from the Innovation tent at Devon County Show. Well Image CIC and the Phoenix Arts Centre‘s Exeter Tree Group both offered tree (and nature) themed photo exhibitions on a loop. A large screen tv was kindly loaned by the University of Exeter to help us launch the Showcase Programme for “If Trees Could Talk Devon.”

Artist Catherine West showcased a collection of fabrics dyed mostly with tree sources. In various combinations, wool, silk, and cotton samples were dyed with Alder, Cherry, Elm, Hawthorn, Ivy, Logwood, and Mahonia. Her exhibition captured the attention of the Beadle of Tucker’s Hall and the Mayor of Exeter on the second day of the Show.

Visitors decorated bags, learned wool spinning, and contributed to a community needle felted landscape at camping tables that also provided welcome seating and rest point from the stalls, competitions, and lovely animals.

“If Trees Could Talk Devon” Advisory Board members Sir Harry Studholme and Andy Gray both made visits to our stall, though as Honorary Office holders of the Devon Agricultural Association – who organise the Show – were very busy throughout the event.

Meanwhile, most of the “If Trees Could Talk Devon” team slipped away for irresistable show antics, observing, and new friend-making.