Makers making a difference – a tale of two Leahs

During the first lockdown last year, with the help of one of our long-time supporters Leah Atherton, we started an initiative called ‘Inspired by the Coast’, inviting local makers to share their Coast Path-inspired works on the charity’s social media channels and website so that we could virtually bring the Trail into the homes of those unable to visit in person – via the medium of art. The project was a great success, with painters, poets, printmakers and many others getting involved. Through ‘Inspired by the Coast’ we got to know another Leah, Leah Wade, a Devon-based illustrator with a small family business called ‘From Land and Sea’ which is now fundraising for the South West Coast Path (SWCP). Read on to find out how and why Leah’s art is making a difference…

Art supporting the South West Coast Path

‘From Land and Sea’ create and sell eco-friendly products featuring their illustrations of UK adventure destinations, including many along our National Trail, and excitingly, are now supporting our work to care for the place that fires their imagination by donating 10% of the sales of SWCP-inspired products back to the Association.

Leah explained why the Path is so important to her:

“There is nothing quite like the Coast Path. Being able to follow the path ahead of you allows you to truly take the time to absorb the beauty of the coast and clear your mind. It is medicinal and has been my go-to when I need that feeling of freedom and peace. The SWCP is the home to our adventures, the trigger for our walking passion and the initial inspiration behind us developing ‘From Land and Sea’; a way to celebrate our adventures and share our love for the great outdoors.”

Check out some of Leah’s illustrations in the video below:

Shop and show your support

You can find ‘From Land and Sea’ products that will support our work in two places:

1. On our online shop – we are stocking some beautiful SWCP-inspired pieces made by Leah and her family, including enamel mugs, ceramic mugs and a tea towel (coming soon!). A proportion of all purchases on our shop go back into our charitable work.
2. On the From Land and Sea online shop – just look out for the products marked ‘supporting the South West Coast Path Association’ and 10% of the price you pay will be donated to our charity. All SWCP products are also listed here.

A big thank you to everyone who got involved with ‘Inspired by the Coast’ and especially ‘From Land and Sea’ for taking their support to the next level. You can read more about the project here.