A new digital art and wellbeing trail in the North York Moors is placing young creative talent at the heart of a unique collaboration between the National Park Authority and The Northern School of Art.
Entitled ‘Wander’, the trail showcases 48 original artworks created by students studying a range of creative degrees and postgraduate courses at The Northern School of Art’s Hartlepool campus. Accessible via QR codes located at ten locations across the National Park, the trail invites visitors to explore the North York Moors through the eyes of a new generation of artists, encouraging people to slow down, reflect and connect with nature in creative and meaningful ways.
Spanning animation, illustration, photography, printmaking and mixed media, the artworks highlight the wide range of creative skills and talents of the students, alongside the richness of the North York Moors landscape. Many pieces incorporate subtle movement, such as drifting clouds, flowing water and gentle wildlife animation, creating immersive and calming experiences that blend art and environment. Wellbeing is a central theme, with students exploring mindfulness, relaxation and the positive impact of nature on mental health.
Matthew Burton, Senior Lecturer in Illustration at The Northern School of Art, said:
“We were delighted to have been invited to contribute to the digital art and wellbeing trail. Our students have contributed a wide range of creative skills to the project, producing work that reflects the beauty and atmosphere of the North York Moors.
“By combining artworks with themes of wellbeing, they’ve created immersive experiences that encourage people to pause, reflect and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity for our emerging artists to engage with the stunning North Yorkshire landscape and share their creativity in such a positive way with visitors."
For many of the students involved, the collaboration has been both creatively and personally significant.
Orion Joszki, whose watercolour work explores the emotional impact of colour in nature, said:
“The environment is really important to me and I felt this opportunity was the perfect way for me to express that creatively. I was thrilled to have been chosen to be part of something that aims to highlight the beauty of the natural world and connect people to what's around them.”
Other featured artists include Jasper Gray, whose illustration celebrates the coastal character of Robin Hood’s Bay; Queenie, whose black-and-white photography encourages close observation of nature; Kirsty Greer, whose intricate textile work reflects the textures of the forest floor; and Bern Horsley-Ling, whose animated film follows two felted frog characters on gentle adventures.
Sophie Lyth, Arts, Events and Wellbeing Manager at the North York Moors National Park Centre, said:
“Wander opens up the landscapes and creativity of the North York Moors National Park to all, including audiences who might not usually visit galleries or traditional art spaces. The ten QR codes are located in popular and easily accessible locations, and all of the artworks can be viewed online, so people can enjoy them even if they can’t visit every site.
“Working in collaboration with these students has brought a fresh and inspiring perspective to the National Park, showing how art and the landscape can be experienced in new and inclusive ways.”
To see a map of the ten locations and find out more about the Wander art trail, please visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/wander-art-trail
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.
About The Northern School of Art:
- The Northern School of Art is the only specialist arts and design school in the North East.
- It has a degree and postgraduate-level campus in Hartlepool rated Gold in 2023 as part of the Office for Students’ Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a further education site in central Middlesbrough rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025.
- With over 150 years of experience The Northern School of Art offers award-winning courses for creatives from 6 years old and upwards, including weekly Saturday art clubs, Arts Award qualifications and further, higher and postgraduate education.
- The Northern School of Art lecturers are industry professionals, with a wealth of experience and many are practising artists and designers and the School offers the latest in teaching and learning facilities and uses industry standard equipment.
- Famous alumni include Sir Ridley Scott and Mackenzie Thorpe.
- www.northernart.ac.uk
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