As a token means of safeguarding what currently exists as an abundant and unique environment, bio diverse in rural and native species, this project implements an act of ad hoc conservation. Wild vegetation from the surrounding wastelands - an inaccessible environment earmarked for transformation – will be selected and transplanted in the overgrown garden of Globe cottage, a more accessible plot of land with the potential for a more sustained existence. The transplanting took place over a period of eight days using a spade, a pair of gloves and bespoke recycled construction haulage bags to transport the soil and wild vegetation. The eight soiled haulage bags used for the transportation represent a map of the area of derelict and wasteland around Globe Cottage. The map consists of sections divided by property ownership boundaries and indicates the built and unbuilt space. This transplanted, growing wasteland can be viewed in actuality at the back of Globe Cottage. The newly transplanted sections currently stand out from their surroundings as they are demarcated, controlled and aestheisized. Over time the boundaries will become less defined, the plants may colonize or be succeeded by other species or gradually die back over the coming seasons. For future function this transplanted wasteland acts as a map to highlight and unify the elements of a diverse landscape, now free to exist at its own pace. Biological forms have been given agency in this environment while the surrounding areas may succumb to a prescribed future.

-

Overlooked land A Introduction
Next to derelict buildings, beside railway lines, overgrown and overlooked.

‘The site comprises an irregular parcel of land located on the western side of Castle Street in the northern part of Totnes town centre, National Grid Reference 27990, 060720. The site is bounded to the north, south and south-west by residential and commercial properties and to the north-west by an area of vegetation and railway line.’

DTS, Raeburn, Geo-Environmental Desk study report, 2005, p. 9

This area is currently inaccessible to the general public and comprises of a series of residual spaces, home to an abundance of wild vegetation, autonomous but intricately interwoven with the potential to hold a different future to that of the built environment. It is planned that this area of land will go through a period of transformation in the coming years; the collection of derelict buildings referred to as the Malt Mill Warehouses and Bridge Court Stores will be developed into two different types of residential property. Similar to many industrial building developments the current structures will act as shells for the new interiors; some of the original features will remain recognisable. The surrounding green space, growing on and in-between these properties, will no longer exist. The area will be built on, tarmaced over and turned into parking space. Whether we are in agreement or disagreement with the plans for the future of this space, they tell us that the land is assigned to a new amenity value that will not incorporate its current state of existence. Over time the land has become abandoned and overlooked.

The Transplant garden at Globe Cottage in Totnes can be viewed by appointment until November 1st 2009.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————