Coatham Marsh: Creative Research into Protected Sites, Communities and Nature Recovery (Report): Framing Nature

Framing Nature: Coatham Marsh: Creative Research into Protected Sites, Communities and Nature Recovery is a commissioned research report developed through a partnership between Natural England, The Wildlife Trust and Forms of Circulation (Sarah Perks and Paul Stewart). Produced as part of research at Coatham Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Redcar, the report documents findings from an interdisciplinary programme investigating relationships between communities, protected landscapes and environmental participation.

Combining socially engaged and curatorial methodologies with place-based environmental research, the project explored perceptions of access, safety, care and ecological value through workshops, dialogue, mapping and creative research activities. The report synthesises existing evidence and local materials alongside newly generated qualitative insights, including engagement with communities often underrepresented within environmental consultation processes, including local traveller communities. Particular attention is given to the role of creative methodologies as mechanisms for generating forms of situated and experiential knowledge not always captured through conventional consultation frameworks.

Structured around research findings, key outcomes and future recommendations, the report contributes to emerging discussions around environmental participation, protected landscapes and interdisciplinary approaches to community-centred research. The publication also documents methodological innovation through the integration of moving-image, participatory and curatorial research approaches within environmental contexts.