Mapping the Exe

WHAT IS A MAP?

You are invited to draw a map of the Exe Estuary. Your map could include the mouth of the estuary from Exmouth up to Topsham, or further, or you could only involve a small area of the estuary or coastline. A map can take many forms and maps can look very different from each other. We want to find out how different people see the estuary. Maps can range from a very simple sketch to an elaborate embroidery. You could sketch it in 1/2 hour on a scrap of paper, make a full painting or plan a walk to map it in a novel way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate time-consuming or ‘arty’ it can be approached scientifically. There is no right or wrong in these maps. Anyone can take part whatever your age or interests.

But please don’t look at a real map! Forget normal. Interpret it your own way. A map can be about what you want it to be. For example:

A map of people; a map of species; a fishing map; a map as a game; a map of tides, currents and channels for sailing; a map of a day’s journey; a map of walks; a map from a dog’s eye view – I know there are rabbits around here ; a map of favourite spots; a map of poetic names – cronky bit, mud of the beaching, tern attack; a map of memories – I always think of you here; a map of sounds; a combination of  these or none of these!

You can draw, paint, put your map on a stone or make a collage. Anything goes! On a plate, designed on computer, charcoal, modelled out of sand, pen and ink or just plain A4 paper and pencil – you choose!   Just try and make your map strong and clear so others can read or interpret it and don’t put your name on the front of the image. 

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THE MAPS AND WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

We will create an online gallery of maps on Tidelines website and some may be displayed via social media. Once you have submitted your map we will give you a password so you can see your map and the other maps online. We will send through the password after you have submitted your map, so that you can freely express your own ideas and not be too influenced by other people.  We hope to exhibit the maps later in the year, so please hold on to your original map and keep it somewhere safe. We want to learn about, share and celebrate the many diverse and different ways that people see, experience and enjoy the Exe Estuary.

HOW TO SEND IN YOUR MAP

There are a couple of options:

1. Copy it on a scanner or photograph it and upload it as a file using the button below and following the instructions.
We will add your name if you would like your image to be credited or you can make it anonymous.  Leave your name and email address on the form so that we can contact you…and remember to keep hold of the original.

2. If you don’t have the facilities to scan or photograph the map or you would like to send it to us, the address is 42 Park Road, Exmouth EX8 1TN. Please do let us know who you are and where you live so we can return it to you later.

Have fun!  If you have any questions please get in touch

We think it best if you imagine your own map first. But if you need to see the gallery of map (Map Room) you can see them here

We reserve the right not to include contributions that contain inappropriate material.