The project, titled Wander, is a collaboration between the North York Moors National Park Authority and The Northern School of Art and features 48 artworks by students from the school’s Hartlepool campus, each accessible via QR codes at ten locations across the park.
The trail invites visitors to explore the landscape through the eyes of emerging artists, combining creativity, digital media, and themes of mindfulness and reflection.
Matthew Burton, senior lecturer in illustration at The Northern School of Art, said: “We were delighted to have been invited to contribute to the digital art and wellbeing trail.
“Our students have contributed a wide range of creative skills to the project, producing work that reflects the beauty and atmosphere of the North York Moors.
“By combining artworks with themes of wellbeing, they’ve created immersive experiences that encourage people to pause, reflect, and connect with nature in a meaningful way.”
The student-created works span animation, illustration, photography, printmaking, and mixed media.
Many pieces incorporate gentle movement, such as drifting clouds, flowing water, and subtle wildlife animation, resulting in calming digital environments rooted in the natural world.
For many of the students, the project has been both personally and creatively rewarding.
Orion Joszki, whose watercolour work explores the emotional impact of colour in nature, said: “The environment is really important to me and I felt this opportunity was the perfect way for me to express that creatively.
“I was thrilled to have been chosen to be part of something that aims to highlight the beauty of the natural world and connect people to what’s around them.”
Other featured artists include Jasper Gray, whose illustration celebrates the coastal character of Robin Hood’s Bay, and Queenie, whose black-and-white photography encourages close observation of nature.
Kirsty Greer’s intricate textile work reflects the textures of the forest floor, while Bern Horsley-Ling created an animated film following two felted frog characters on gentle adventures.
Sophie Lyth, arts, events and wellbeing manager at the North York Moors National Park Centre, said: “Wander opens up the landscapes and creativity of the North York Moors National Park to all, including audiences who might not usually visit galleries or traditional art spaces.
“The ten QR codes are located in popular and easily accessible locations, and all of the artworks can be viewed online, so people can enjoy them even if they can’t visit every site.
“Working in collaboration with these students has brought a fresh and inspiring perspective to the National Park, showing how art and the landscape can be experienced in new and inclusive ways.”
The project is designed to make art accessible outside of gallery walls, encouraging exploration, reflection, and digital engagement with both landscape and creativity.
It also reinforces the role of nature in supporting positive mental health, a theme that runs through many of the works on display.
The trail not only showcases emerging talent but also reinforces the growing potential of digital art to connect people with natural spaces in innovative ways.
A map of the sites and further details about the Wander trail can be found at northyorkmoors.org.uk/wander-art-trail.
