Other inspirations
Disclaimer: We at Visions for Armidale Creeklands do not have a monopoly on what is inspirational when any of us think of what our creeklands could be. We formed so that the community can give voice to all of our inspirations related to water in the environment - help us do that by becoming involved - join us!
Some inspirations from the natural world - why can't we re-create healthy lagoons, streams and ponds in Armidale's Dumaresq Creeklands? Did you know that only 3 out of some 54 upland wetlands on the Northern Tablelands are contained within conservation areas and there is a need to protect these vulnerable wetland features - perhaps we could create some lagoons of varying depths to help preserve these ecosystems within our region?
According to David Mitchell and Jane Roberts, wetlands act as sponges, function as natural flood mitigation areas, absorb nutrients, provide habitats and improve water quality (Haigh, J. [Ed.] 1986). Surely these are features which we need to promote along the Dumaresq creeklands?
Little Llangothlin Lagoon, north of Guyra
Image kindly provided by Terry Cooke photography
Gara River at Blue Hole, east of Armidale
Image kindly provided by Terry Cooke photography
Racecourse lagoon, south of Uralla - during a wet time
Racecourse lagoon, south of Uralla - during a Dry time
Image kindly provided by Terry Cooke photography
Some features can complement the enjoyment of water bodies and water fountains can enhance arts precincts
Free concerts are held during summer at the Lakefront Park Bandshell - on the St Croix river - in Hudson, Wisconsin, USA
Water fountain near the Barnes Foundation art gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (September 2017)
A "tongue in cheek" suggestion!
Could it be that NERAM's benefactor, Howard Hinton, whose first painting donated to the former Armidale Teachers' College was The Lock Gates by Adrian Stokes, had in mind managing water features in the Dumaresq creeklands?
Recreation and river locks in Ottawa, Canada
The Lock Gates by Adrian Stokes - see link to NERAM Howard Hinton collection in Armidale, NSW
Another inspiration - this time from the UK
Some may remember a talk given in May 2017 by Stuart Read, of NSW Environment and Heritage, to the Australian Garden History Society at NERAM, Capability Brown (1715-1783) was the man responsible for creating some of the most iconic landscaped estates in Britain. As Stuart said, in his work, Capability Brown had a focus on 'place making'. Our association believes that 'place making' is something that designers should contemplate as they come up with ideas for Armidale's creeklands.
Petworth House - west Sussex, UK
Audley End House garden - Essex, UK
Some think it is not possible to have water sports in armidale ... anyone for sailing, or canoeing, or punting?
Sailing on Malpas Dam, near Guyra - image kindly provided by Terry Cooke photography
Looking north-east towards Dumaresq Creek near Cookes Rd, Armidale