This blog post is to share the designs for anew signproposed forthe entrance to Ridgeway Farm development from Purton.  If you have read the other newsletters and blogs you will be up to date with progress of the project and the reasons for this location but just in case you missed it, the best space for a bespoke Ridgeway Farm entrance sign is on the public open space to the left hand side (north) of Cowleaze, approaching from Purton, opposite "Snail Hill'.

I have three design options for you to consider and vote for your favourite by email or on social media.

The three design ideas draw on the unique topography of your immediate landscape - "Snail Hill' and the dips and peaks of the open spaces, roads and paths that interweave between your houses giving your homes an intimate, village feel.  
Combined with the recent farming history of the site I have developed two designs that reflect this: crops growing and a pastoral scene depicting old English animal breeds.  The …

Ridgeway Farm Art Project -  Colour at Home Nature Trail Map
Page 9 – the last one!
Here is the last print-at-home section of the nature map for you to colour at home.   This is the south western corner of the development as you drive in from the Swindon town – West Swindon Peatmoor area.
The trees were drawn by Lewis from Cherry Trees class in the workshop day I did in school last September – I loved the simplicity of them and they are a wintery touch for the map.  Feel free to draw animals and plants in between the trees to create your own woodland area as you want to see it.  The deer is drawn by Poppy a resident on the development – a lovely little watercolour which is in full colour on the final map.
Page 9 of 9 Print at home map download here!
If you haven’t got all the sections you can still access them via my blog:  Melissa Cole Blog The finished fold out map is due to go to print soon and will be distributed to every household on the development.  If you are able to help me deliver m…

Ridgeway Farm Art Project -  Colour at Home Nature Trail Map
Page 8 of 9

We are getting to the last two sections of the map for you to colour at home, this is the Western part of the development and features the lovely hedging and drainage ditch behind Cob Hill and Dew Pond Close.  The brambles, trees and hedging near the pond will attract more wildlife to this quiet area of the development. 
Don’t forget to look at the different colour roof tiles – this was the bit that took ages for me to colour in at home!
My coloured version of the  map follows the colours of nature around the border of the map - this section is spring with snowdrops and celandines as seen around the development.   Feel free to add what you have seen in this space to the border around the drawing.

Click here to download part 8 of 9 colour-at-home Ridgeway Farm Nature Trail map
Did you see Grayson's Art Club this week?  It was all about the view from a window - if you have drawn or painted or recreated a view from your…

Ridgeway Farm Art Project -  Colour at Home Nature Trail Map
Page 7 of 9
As lockdown continues in some way for most of us I hope you are able to explore your creative side at home.  If you haven't had chance to watch Grayson's Art Club on Monday evenings Channel 4 I highly recommend it!  

It breaks down some of the barriers surrounding the word 'art' and allows you to think in an open and fresh way about what art means to you and how it is good for your mental health at a time like this. 

I also love how he is encompassing the crafts in this from pot making to wire birds, lampshade making etc!  It is also a great insight into how Grayson works, his studio and sense of fun and inclusion in his work.

We are getting to the last sections of the map now for you to colour at home, this is the North West corner of the development and features the large open field which is a haven for insects, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers and grasses.  The brambles on the railway line f…

Ridgeway Farm Art Project -  Colour at Home Nature Trail Map
Page 6 of 9
Here is the large open space heading to the railway line and the footpath to the old can and river Ray.  This large open field is a haven for insects, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers and grasses.  Over time it will become an amazing space to watch wildlife visit the reeds and ponds.  
I have seen a fox here running along the railway line, Buzzards, House Martins and Swallows.  
 Feel free to add what you have seen in this space to the border around the drawing.
Click here to download the print at home black and white A4 page to colour-in at home!
Don't forget to post your coloured in versions and share on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #ridgewayfarmart @melissacole001

Ridgeway Farm Art Project -  Colour at Home Nature Trail Map
Page 5 of 9
The FIFTH part of the Print-At-Home and colour-in Nature Trail Map of Ridgeway Farm here!! 

Here is the main section of houses within the development - not much nature that I could draw but please add what you have seen in your garden to the drawing.
Now the rain has arrived, you might want a little quiet activity for in the house as part of your home schooling or just some low energy relaxing you-time.  
Featuring Cowleaze, Webbs Place, the play area, The Farm, The Brook, Moses Mead, River View, Mill View, Cob Hill and Upper Mill.  The school is drawn as a birds eye (not the peas!) view by a pupil from Cherry Trees class at Ridgeway Farm C of E Academy.
Click here to download part 5 of 9 colour-in-at-home Ridgeway Farm map!
When you colour this one – be sure to check the different roof colours on these homes (and let me know if there are any road name corrections please!)


Don't forget to post your coloured in version…