Experience poetry, sound and nature on a guided walk at Northern Roots.
Join us on Saturday 14 November for a special guided walk led by the people who created If You Could Speak to the World…
Discover a unique audio-based walking trail through Northern Roots’ 160-acre green space in Oldham, guided in person by the poets whose words and experiences shaped the work.
Developed through workshops led by artist Phillip Davenport and co-produced by people from Rochdale and Oldham Active Recovery (ROAR), the trail brings together poetry, original music and field recordings to explore recovery, resilience and our connection with the natural world.
On this special walk, you’ll hear firsthand stories behind the poetry, recordings and experiences that inspired the trail.
Journey through woodland, wetland, moorland and meadow, accompanied by the voices of the poets and music composed by Sophie Cooper, including Echoes of Reclamation, recorded with the Milnrow Brass Band.
This is an opportunity to experience art beyond the gallery, connecting walking, listening, memory and place.
Event details
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Location: Northern Roots, Kings Road, Oldham OL8 2BJ
Meeting point: what3words: ///dimes.hobby.pads
Duration: Approximately one hour
What you need to know
- If you have personal headphones to listen to the soundtrack on the day this is recommended
- Please wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for mixed terrain.
- The walk takes place outdoors across natural landscapes.
- This particular guided session is not wheelchair accessible.
- Please use the meeting point provided above when arriving.
Book your place
Join us for an afternoon of poetry, walking and connection at Northern Roots.
About the project
If You Could Speak to the World… is a Portraits of Recovery commission, developed and delivered in partnership with Northern Roots and Turning Point (Oldham and Rochdale).
The project is generously funded by Transport for Greater Manchester through the Wheels and Walks programme.
The audio trail remains available for visitors to experience independently, offering a lasting opportunity to discover the landscape through poetry, music and the voices of people with lived experience of recovery.