NATURE CONNECTS
AN INTER-CULTURAL CELEBRATION OF NATURE & OUR SHARED PLANET
In 2026, We Live Here, Medway Diversity Forum & Rochester Cathedral will co-create a communal celebration of diverse cultural narratives of nature connection. The project aims to increase the engagement of communities with the natural world & create a space for sharing experiences of nature. Through a programme of participatory workshops, the creation & presentation of public realm installation, and a major intercultural event at the Cathedral, the project will explore how different cultures perceive the natural world around us.
Faris Ishaq
Faris Ishaq is a Palestinian Nay Master, Percussionist, and Composer who charts unexplored territories with the Nay, an ancient Middle Eastern flute dating back to 5000 B.C. Rooted in his Palestinian heritage and passion for nature, Faris celebrates its cultural legacy in today’s contemporary musical landscape.
Cas Holmes
Cas Holmes is a British artist, author and tutor of Romani heritage, specialising in textile work with found materials. She trained in fine art and is interested in interdisciplinary projects in community and gallery settings. Her practice centres on the use of sustainable materials and themes surrounding issues of identity and place. She has researched in traditional paper and textile crafts in Japan and India, which continue to inform her practice and writing.
PERFORMANCE
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Louisa Adjoa Parker
Louisa Adjoa Parker is a writer of English-Ghanaian heritage who lives in South West England. Louisa’s poetry and prose has been widely published and she has written extensively on ethnically diverse history, and is co-director of The Inclusion Agency. She is a sought-after speaker on rural racism, black history, mental health and marginalisation.
Adrian Bawtree
Adrian Bawtree is an English composer and organist who currently serves as Director of Music and Organist at Rochester Cathedral. was educated at Christ's Hospital before attending the University of Oxford and was an organ scholar at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, in London. He later studied at Worcester College, Oxford, under David Sanger, and won a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musiciansfor achieving the highest score in the Royal College of Organists exam.
Karen Reeves Toppin
Karen Reeves Toppin is a singer trained within classical and gospel traditions. She is an educator, community leader and founder / musical director of Medway Can Sing. She is a passionate believer in the power of music and singing to improve people’s lives and bring communities together.
Carol Donaldson
Carol Donaldson is a writer of several books that focus on the natural world and our connections to it. She has written for Wanderlust, BBC Wildlife, The Telegraph and is a regular travel writer for the Guardian. She was BBC Wildlife's Travel Writer of the Year in 2011. Carol has worked in wildlife conservation for 30 years and has been an independent Ecologist for 10 years.
Paramjot Kaur
As the founder of Sahara, an award-winning organisation for South Asian older people, Medway-based artist Paramjot Kaur developed deep expertise in leading initiatives that drive social inclusion. She works across media often working as a Creative Health practitioner. In 2025, she was awarded an Evolve Commission as part of Medway Council’s Creative Health Place Partnership Programme.
Partners
