Nocton Village Trail

ArtsNK is a team of arts specialists that initiates and supports art projects across the North Kesteven District. It was approached by a village resident with the idea of sharing Nocton's history with both visitors and people who live there through the use of contemporary art. The first project was inspired by the church. With the help of ArtsNK, a mosaic path was built not only to make the approach more attractive, but also provide disabled access. Following the success of the path, many other artistic projects have been created such as a dandelion sun-dial, a cow sculpture, a lenticular photographic structure and cast metal plaques that all reflect the history of Nocton. After receiving a grant of £13,400 from the Heritage Lottery, the Nocton Village Trail Association has been able to incorporate both the artistic pieces created by amateur artists and school children, and the buildings such as Nocton Hall and All Saints Church into a specific trail around the village. To support the actual trail, printed material such as a children's leaflet and a glossy adult booklet explaining the history in detail have been produced. A website has also been launched which contains an interactive map and podcasts which can be downloaded as an audio guide when walking the trail. Nocton is the first village to reach this stage along the new Spires and Steeples walking route between Lincoln Cathedral and St Andrew's Church, Sleaford. With plans to link the Nocton Village Trail to the Stepping Out walk around RAF Nocton, both ArtsNK and the Nocton Village Trail Association aim not only to continue to work in Nocton, but also extend into other villages and celebrate what is special and distinctive about them through the expression of contemporary artwork.

Nick Jones ArtsNK