The Ridgeway 50 Project

The Ridgeway 50 project marked the 50th anniversary of The Ridgeway as a National Trail by bringing together young people, nature and photography in an ambitious and creative initiative. Led by professional photographer Matt Writtle and delivered in partnership with Sharp Shots Photo Club, the scheme was funded by Arts Council England, with the aim of inspiring both budding and more experienced photographers to explore The Ridgeway and interpret its landscapes through their own lens.

Between September 2024 and April 2025, Sharp Shots ran free outdoor photography workshops for more than 300 schoolchildren drawn from underserved and ethnically diverse schools in Luton, Reading, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Swindon.  The workshops were carefully crafted to encourage young people (aged roughly 5 to 19) to engage with the natural, historical and cultural richness of the Trail, learning not only technical camera skills but also how to observe, imagine, and tell stories through images. More information can also be found on nationaltrail.co.uk .

Over the course of the project, participants visited a number of evocative Ridgeway landmarks — from Avebury and Silbury Hill, to the panoramic heights of Goring Gap, Aston Rowant, and Whiteleaf Cross, continuing to Coombe Hill, Pitstone Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon. These sites provided both stunning scenery and a deep sense of the Trail’s heritage. In the workshops, tutors led by Sharp Shots encouraged the children to experiment visually: they looked for signs of change in the landscape, imagined future stories or folklore, and attempted to capture the essence of these places in their photographs.

Between 2023 and 2024, Matt Writtle was creating his own photographic response to The Ridgeway, selecting 25 locations along the Trail to reflect its past, present, and future. His work was intended to echo and inspire the young photographers at the heart of the project, with an art trail of his images to be installed along The Ridgeway and an online gallery to reach a wider public.

The programme culminated in a celebratory exhibition at Queen’s Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury: 50 photographs—25 by Matt Writtle and 25 by the young participants—were displayed side by side, offering a powerful visual dialogue between professional and emerging photographers. The opening event invited the children and their families, giving them a taste of what it’s like to exhibit professionally, and reinforcing the value of their creative contributions.

In all, the Ridgeway 50 project combined education, inclusion, and place-based creativity — giving children from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to discover the Trail’s iconic sites, develop photographic confidence, and contribute meaningfully to a milestone celebration of The Ridgeway’s legacy.

What did the Teachers and Schoolchildren think?

‘This photography workshop was not only engaging and fun for the children but also had a huge positive impact on the children’s learning. The children were taught a fantastic range of skills they could use when taking digital photographs by Lillian and within the workshop they were able to perfect and apply these skills when taking photos. They were able to use their own creativity to focus on subjects and the environment of their choosing. They also had time to explore the beauty of the natural environment and were exposed to an environment that some children wouldn’t have the opportunity to see before. The thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and created work they are very proud of. Thanks Lillian.’

– Kimberley Tate Geoffrey Field Junior School

‘I gather a wonderful trip was had by all and the children LOVED it! Thank you again for putting this in place, it was a lovely experience for them. The top 5 photos are beautiful! They are so creative and it’s been a really lovely to see the children’s take; there are definitely some surprises looking at them as I had no idea how creative some of them could be!’

-Helen Daniel, Deputy Head, Wilson Primary

Firstly, thank you so much for organising this wonderful opportunity for our children. They loved every minute and it was something many would never have experienced before. They have not stopped talking about it. 

The photos you sent through yesterday made me cry! We talk about wanting learning to being full of awe and wonder and this project delivered on that completely. Their faces were a joy to see. Thank you to everyone who was involved and making this happen. Very special.

-Claire Hurst, Executive Head Teacher Federation of Oxford Road Community School and Wilson Primary School

‘I was blown away by Lillian’s knowledge of photography and the organisaAon of the day. Lillian works so well with the students and is so kind and brings such enthusiasm to photography! I myself even picked up some great Aps and lesson ideas as a teacher. It was amazing to see how engaged students were and we even had some students saying that they are asking for a camera on their next birthday! I can’t wait to work with sharp shots again.’

– Caroline, Head of Art, Chiltern Academy

‘It was great to see the children’s confidence grow as they used their cameras throughout the day and they came away with not only new skills but also a better understanding of the nature around them.’
-Kerry McDevitt Year 3 Leader and Art Coordinator, Hamilton Primary

‘I thought it was very good, fun, I learnt a lot of new vocabulary and how to use the cameras. I go with my dad and I have taught him what I have done, I found the experience amazing’

– Evelyn, 2nd Shaw Guides

‘I found it very inspirational! We got to see some amazing landmarks and nature- whilst also learning to use cameras- it was an amazing experience’

– Elsie, 2nd Shaw Guides

‘I liked walking around the woods and looking closely at everything.’
‘I liked changing the colours and learning about photos.’
‘I liked the workshop because it taught me different angles to shoot at.’
‘I want to be a landscape or animal photographer.’

-all quotes above from students from Thomas Hickman Primary School

 

Photos of the workshops & participants:

The R50 Exhibition Top 25 Photos:

 

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