Dunwich Heath Red Earth sculpture. © NT Jemma Finch

The National Trust is asking the public to get involved in the second phase of its bold public art project at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk Coast.

Temporary wave sculptures at the site have already been generating much interest from visitors, and the scheme is about to enter its second phase.

Organised by environmental arts group Red Earth in partnership with the Trust, ‘Coastline’ is a two day event on Saturday 26 and Sunday July 27 2008, when the public can explore the effects of climate change and coastal erosion on the fragile Suffolk coastline.

As part of a year long series of activities between Red Earth and the Trust, visitors will be invited to get involved with artists between low and high tide on Minsmere beach at Dunwich, working towards the event’s climax on Sunday evening.

“What’s great about the event is that visitors can choose to spend from half an hour to all day working with artists from Red Earth,” promised lead artists Caitlin Easterby and Simon Pascoe. “The activities have been designed to be creative and accessible, acknowledging the traditional playfulness which both the beach and sea inspire.”

Sculpture in front of Coastguard Cottages at Dunwich Heath. © A Palmer

There are three main activities for the public to get involved with: firstly, raking sand patterns on the beach revealed by low tide, which reveals wave-like energetic lines following the pattern of longshore drift; secondly, the use of leftovers from the sculptures to help build a brushwood water break along the beach marking the cliff face of the past.

Historically, brushwood barriers were used to impede cliff erosion. Eventually, over the two days a visually demonstrative ‘erosion line’ of birch will be created along the beach.

Finally, visitors will be able to search the beach for their own special stones and create a replica from clay.

On Sunday evening, as high tide approaches, artists and members of the public will work together to activate the beach with fire and live sound, marking the high tide in a ceremony involving gongs, cymbals, conches, bells and the firing of the brushwood fire line (weather permitting).

‘Coastline’ takes place on Saturday July 26 (10.30am to 6pm) and Sunday July 27 (11.30am to 8pm), with the live event on Sunday at around 6.30pm. There will also be the chance to walk with artists and National Trust wardens on Wednesday July 23 at 10.30am exploring the changing landscape that has inspired the project. Meet at the National Trust Information Kiosk.