Fiona Robinson

A graduate of the Masters programme in Socially Engaged Practice, jointly run by Open Eye Gallery and the University, Robinson has also been in post at RHS Garden Bridgewater since late Summer 2025, working with the gardens’ wellbeing and community groups including participants attending on socially-prescribed programmes.

“After studying Ecology and working in environmental conservation, community development and public health for about 30 years, I’m now concentrating on my socially engaged photography practice. I’ve a particular interest in creating opportunities for people to explore the natural world, and in environmentally sustainable and historic photographic techniques.

I’m really excited to be part of the OFFSHOOT residency programme, as working with the wellbeing garden brings together all of the different strands of my varied career to date. It’s such a beautiful space, and the staff, volunteers and community members create such a calming atmosphere.”

View the artists website here.

This selection of photographs have been taken by community members in RHS Bridgewater’s wellbeing and community groups this spring. In her workshops, Fiona has been encouraging members to consider perspective by exploring different viewpoints, as well as using macro lenses to capture the detail and form of the flora in the gardens. The act of taking time to look at nature closely and from various angles has allowed members to slow down and pay attention to how the garden changes with time.