Hope Fields

Hope Fields is a living memorial that honours both the victims of COVID-19 and those who fought the virus. It is open to residents and guests for a quiet space to reflect and remember.

Hope Fields is based at Thrybergh Country Park.

Hope Fields was designed in consultation with communities from across the borough as a tribute not only to people who lost their lives, but also those who were part of the emergency response and recovery effort – from key workers to volunteers and communities.

In consultation with residents, bereaved families, key workers, and support groups, we were asked to find a way to not only remember, but to also to recover. Hope Fields creates a memorial but it also creates a space for us to collectively heal, it allows people to grieve for what they have lost - whether that was a loved one, a way of life, confidence or hope - whilst also looking forward and giving thanks for the support that communities gave throughout the pandemic.

At the heart of Hope Fields is the nature and wildlife that surrounds the site. Not only is Hope Fields a haven of trees, plants, and animals, but within it there are four artist installations that have been commissioned for the site to celebrate life, including a beautiful bird hide, a playful mud kitchen and poignant memorials.

A Celebration of Life and Hope

Dan Jones, a local artist, sculptor, and stonemason created a moving tribute to all those who lost their lives through the pandemic, which sits at the top of Hope Fields overlooking the beautiful lake. The memorial has incorporated shapes that represent more positive aspects of the pandemic, such as the rainbow, which has been a symbol of hope and thanks to medical and caring professions and other essential key workers, and focus on looking forwards or through the pandemic towards a better time.

A Playful Exploration of Nature

Local artists Jason and Coralie Turpin have designed a range of playful seating, castings, and a sculpture, which will be woven through the field providing moments of joy and comfort. The benches were created by the staff team at Thrybergh Country Park using natural materials and inviting people to enjoy the many views from the field. A playful curved bench provides a willow den and a stone mud kitchen, welcoming families to play and learn in nature. The final piece created by Jason and Coralie is an iron hare sculpture which will leap from a new community orchard. This friendly guardian represents hope of new life and the return of spring, creating a tactile touchstone and much-loved character for Hope Fields.

Celebrating Nature and Life

Hope Fields sits within a well-established bird watching area, which remains an important part of the wildlife in the field. Rotherham-based Artworks created a new bird hide with the input from local bird watchers which overlooks a new pond and wetland, and continue to provide a safe haven for wildlife in all its forms. In time, when the artists are able to attend the site, interpretation of the birds will be added to help children and families interact with nature.