During an exploration of a once multi-use and now a remediating woodland with designated ancient soil, Dukes Hagg Wood, the Wild Museum, revealed complex histories and problematic relationships.

Over a two-day period as an embedded residency, water samples were tested, soil dug-up, objects collected and contentious indicators around land use, industry, access, management and extractivist practices were uncovered.

To develop a greater understanding of the woodland and its body of ancient soil, the project enlisted the assistance of microbial agents found living in the soil and waters of the site, and the dead scientist, Sergei Winogradskys method of mixed-culturing.

Created and now located on-site, the soil, water and objects are brought together as an autonomous and enclosed column. In time, the column will metabolise into the multi-cultures of Dukes Hagg Wood, visibly amplifying in zones, past and present memory whilst sensing the future in place.

Soil from sites of the industrial legacy. Rusted iron from the extractivist past. Leaf litter from designated ancient trees. Still water from the old mining works tanks. Pinecones from once planted & introduced Douglas Fir conifer trees, carbonising for a microbial meal. Egg shells and cooked yolk to nourish, grow and encourage early sulphur eating life-forms from deep-time.

Soil from the present time. Horse manure from the adjacent (& contentious) public path. Water from the Red burn running downstream.