Wild Witness Walk

FOR NATURE. FOR EACH OTHER.

The Walk

11.00am to 3.00pm

Beginning at Castlefield Gallery, the walk will take us to some of Manchester's best known civic, cultural and green spaces alongside its hidden natural places.

Wild Witness 2026, lead artist Lucy Wright, will bring the city and some of Manchester’s hidden and forgotten folk histories to life through performance and creative interventions. We'll visit Manchester Art Gallery, gathering in the gallery and the Derek Jarman Pocket Park before continuing through the city. We’ll explore canals, Piccadilly Gardens, the River Medlock, student neighbourhoods, wildflower plantbed meadows, greening projects and forgotten urban spaces where nature continues to thrive.

The Walk takes place during lunchtime, therefore be advised, the stop at Manchester Art Gallery will be the time to have your packed lunch. Remember to bring your packed lunch!

Walk with a plant

Folk culture is powerful in shaping humans' understanding of our more than human companions. Historically, and to this day, folk traditions act as a bridge between communities and their ecosystems. We'd love you to bring a small plant to walk alongside us on the day.

Whether it is a favourite houseplant, herbs from your windowsill, something you've grown yourself or a cutting from a friend, your plant will become part of the procession. Together, we'll walk with our more than human companions, recognising that we share this city with countless other forms of life.

If you don't want to carry your plant all day, don't worry. We'll have a shared trolley so our plants can travel through Manchester together.

Access information

The walk takes place outdoors across Manchester city centre and includes uneven surfaces, road crossings and some steep inclines. There are no steps on the planned route.

Regular rest breaks are built into the walk, volunteers and staff will be available throughout the day, and free water refill points will be highlighted along the route.

Please wear comfortable footwear and dress for the weather.

Photography and filming will take place during the event. If you would prefer not to appear in photographs or video, or if you have any access questions, please contact kacey@castlefieldgallery.co.uk before the event.

Our Access and Event Information Guide can be found here

The route map can be found here:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1T3KunOATSBRYrIe2vM2tKj6_0jSP54M&usp=sharing

Please note: If you would also like to join the Wild Witness Gathering, you will need to book a separate free ticket.