THE BIRD HIDE: The Sheds, Devil’s Dyke

Hang out with me in my bird hide to hear real and imaginary birds of Sussex. It’s been so much fun to be one of the artists selected to shake-up The Sheds, nestled on the beautiful birdsong filled South Downs. During the Brighton Fringe Festival, this former pig farm – its sheds and land – is being taken over by artists under the banner of SMART Sheds. It’s a unique fusion of art, nature, and mental wellbeing, inviting visitors to explore an immersive outdoor experience.

Saturdays & Sundays in May, 11-6pm 
Opening with the Bel Fire Fayre 3 & 4 May
SMARTsheds Devils Dyke Rd BN1 8YJ

To celebrate the launch, SMART Sheds will host a traditional May Fair, complete with a wellbeing area, creative workshops (including laughter yoga), artisan stalls, food, and all-around fun and frolics for the whole family (3 & 4 May, FREE, for booking see Eventbrite).

Artists this year are me, Amy Macmillan, Alexi Marshall, Carrie Stanley, Danny Manning, Katy Bienart, Figments Arts & BPOC photography collective.

In collaboration with my artist sister Sandra Reeves, I’ve turned my assigned shed into a bird hide, complete with bird sound installation, with views over the emerging scrubland as the site rewilds and across to the agricultural fields beyond.

On Friday the 9 May, I’m running ‘Rewild yourself: sound and movement workshop’ in collaboration with nature art and music-maker Pat McKenna. It’s free. Email me for further info.

Here are my shed before and after photos.

SMART Sheds is a place where nature, creativity, and mental wellbeing come together, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

SMART is a mental health charity based in London that promotes mental wellbeing through purposeful activity. With their recent purchase of this special site at Devil’s Dyke, they aim to create a nature-based ecotherapy resource for clients, while working closely with the local community to expand its reach and benefit.

Location: SMARTsheds Devils Dyke Rd BN1 8YJ, 50.86904° N, 0.19561° W
The 77 bus runs directly to the site
and a shuttle from Hove Station will run on Saturday afternoons

There is a small car park on the main road, Devil’s Dyke Road, just before the entrance.

For bus to The Sheds book via Eventbrite or Brighton Fringe