TWO artists have been commissioned to create a map exploring a National Trust site.

Nicola Burrell and Lisa Temple-Cox have been appointed for the Bourne Mill commission in partnership with the National Trust.

They will be working with visitors, volunteers and communities to create work in response to Bourne Mill and the surrounding Bourne Valley.

Nicola and Lisa are artists who work with places and histories to create artworks.

Over the next few months they will be working with diverse communities in Colchester to create a large felt-based map.

The map will explore Bourne Mill, near Colchester, both geographically and culturally and highlight the beauty and ecological diversity of the site.

This will become a creative prompt for participants to reflect and share memories and personal histories.

Participants’ stories will be added to the rich history of Bourne pond and mill and the individuals, events and activities which have shaped it.

The artwork will become a multi-media, multi-technique piece.

Kerith Ririe, house manager for the National Trust site, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Essex Cultural Diversity Project on this exciting commission.

“It is great to be working with talented artists, creatively bringing another layer to the spirit of our special place in Colchester and further developing our connection with our community on our doorstep.

“We look forward to a great collaboration ahead.”

Artists Nicola Burrell and Lisa Temple-Cox said it was an exciting opportunity.

They said: “We are both delighted and honoured to be part of this exciting commission in our home town.

“We are excited to be working with Essex Cultural Diversity Project and exploring the site and histories of Bourne Mill, but we are especially looking forward to engaging with Colchester’s diverse international communities.

“We want to learn of their histories and heritage and open up to all the opportunities afforded by the beautiful National Trust property on our doorstep.

“We see this as a two-way process that benefits all involved, including ourselves and can’t wait to get started.”

To find out more information about the project, visit essexcdp.com.