River Lea Art Trail
In collaboration with local artists, Ware Men’s Shed and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, East Herts Council has launched an art trail featuring nine upcycled and decorated benches that line the towpath linking Hertford and Ware.
Funded with monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the benches forming the art trail have been reinvigorated by local artists to showcase beautiful designs that reflect the history and character of the River Lea. Boasting wonderful scenes of locally found wildlife and flora, as well as of locations familiar to regular towpath visitors, each bench tells a unique story. Two additional benches will be installed in the coming weeks to complete the trail, bringing the total number up to 11.
Having been repaired and reinstalled by Ware Men’s Shed, a local charity that offers men a space to converse, connect and create, the benches will offer comfort to those enjoying the scenic and popular walk for many years to come. The River Lea Art Trail has received additional financial support from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and Hertfordshire County Council, with the trail giving people of all ages the opportunity to take a break as they get to know this popular nook of East Herts.
A trail guide is available, which affords greater insight into the River Lea Art Trail, its creation, the artists and the other collaborators involved, and also features activities for children to do as they walk the towpath and take in the benches.