Annie O'Donnell - Marsh Trods 3D Models Workshop

A hands on creative workshop where participants build small 3D mythical creatures — “Marsh Trods” — using found and recycled materials.

A hands‑on creative workshop where participants build small 3D mythical creatures — “Marsh Trods” — using found and recycled materials. The activity blends:

• Creative making
• Local folklore
• Wildlife storytelling

The creatures act as imaginative prompts to gather stories, perceptions, and hopes for Coatham Marsh’s future. This workshop will be run by Annie O'Donnell - https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/annie-odonnell

The Coatham Marsh project is a short-term research initiative (March–May 2026) led by Teesside University researchers Prof Sarah Perks and Dr Paul Stewart, commissioned by Natural England in partnership with The Wildlife Trust, to explore the challenges facing protected sites such as Coatham Marsh. The project investigates how a range of pressures—from intentional damage like arson to everyday but inappropriate activities—impact wildlife, habitats, and public access, using creative and curatorial research methods to better understand why and where these behaviours occur. Central to the work is community engagement through creative workshops, where local residents share their experiences, concerns, and ideas for improving access, safety, and environmental stewardship. Alongside this, the project maps key organisations and stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and reimagined uses of the site. Outputs include a detailed report and a 16mm short film, with findings helping to shape future phases of the Protected Sites Strategy and inform more sustainable, inclusive approaches to managing protected landscapes in line with broader regional environmental priorities.