Sun Prints

Take in Netley Common nature reserve at your own pace, create unique nature influenced cyanotype prints and discover the diversity of the nature reserve together.

Netley common Nature reserve is home to many varieties of plants and creatures.

In the centre of the site you’ll find a blanket of purple heathers and yellow gorse offering shelter for reptiles such as Lizards and Adders as well as local butterflies and dragonflies.

You may even spot some highland cattle roaming the common whose job is to eat the shrubbery.

The woodland fringe is home to a variety of birdlife amongst the oaks, beech and ash.

What is a cyanotype?

It’s a photographic print made without the use of a camera. We’ll use paper that is coated in a light sensitive chemical, lay objects on top of the paper such as leaves, flowers or paper cut outs. Then lay a clear screen over them to keep them in place. Next we expose everything to sunlight allowing the chemical reaction to happen. The paper will turn blue and the image of your objects will be left white.

How will the walk work?

The walk is 1hr 30 mins long and self guided.

It will begin at 10:30am at Netley Common entrance close to the car park on Kanes Hill Road.

Site Info

There are no toilets on the site.

Highland cattle are periodically introduced to Netley Common to graze as part of a conservation project managed by Hampshire County Council.

Walkers are advised to keep assistance dogs under close control and maintain distance from the animals.

Please wear suitable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement and good walking shoes. You might also want to bring along:

· a bottle of water

· an umbrella, waterproofs or sunhat/suncream (depending on the weather).

· anything else that’ll make you feel more comfortable.

Enclosed footwear and trousers are advised as this site is a known habitat for adders.

By foot / Bike: There are several footpaths leading into the site, from Ellis Road, Flint Close and Tunstall Road. Following the path across the heathland until you see the entrance gate.

By car: There is a small car park at the site entrance on Kanes Hill , opposite the junction of Netley Firs Close.

At the meeting point you’ll be met by Artist Alex Sutherland who’ll give you a pack containing:

• A map of the route you can take and a place to rest. With tips on identifying plants and creatures.
• Clear instructions and materials for creating your cyanotype independently.

While walking you’ll collect natural materials - only taking what you need and searching for fallen/ broken leaves, flowers, plants to scavenge.

You can then settle in the rest spot to begin constructing your cyanotype print using your natural materials and collage materials which are provided.

Then allow your print to sit in the sun/daylight for at least 20 minutes. You can spend this time listening to the birds, colouring in your map or chatting about the plants and creatures you might have seen!

Once your cyanotype has been exposed for at least 20 minutes (the longer you leave it the stronger the colour will be!) you’ll return to Alex at the meeting point to have your print developed in water and return any materials.

Details of the Artist

Alex Sutherland is a Southampton based artist and creative facilitator. She studied Fine Art at Winchester school of art and now teaches art to people of all ages whilst specialising in Children's picture book illustration.

Alex walks in Netley Common all year round and loves seeing it as the seasons change and listening to the bird song.

Alex Sutherland — ZEST Collective

On the day

We will meet here https://what3words.com/client.darker.pounds

Walk grade: Medium

Who should attend: Adults, families and children 4yrs+ (younger children are welcome but the activity may not be accessible for their ages)

Sorry pets are not allowed to join a walk unless they are a guide or assistance dog.

Child friendly: Yes

Walk distance: 1.5 kms