Videos by the Trust

The Trust now has a YouTube Channel and it here that the videos produced by the Trust are released.

The YouTube Channel are be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkYY9eJhV8SLIY8iVwnKG1Q

There are a wide range of videos on the channel which will include :

the Trust Gardens; Conservation; Climate Change; the Founders Philosophy; How To Guides;  Wildlife;  and much more.

It is anticipated that several videos will be published every year and also possibly tutorials and webinars etc. Check into our YouTube Channel for the latest productions and subscribe for free to our Channel to ensure you don't miss anything.

The Trust has created a projects for students from UK Universities and from educational establishments in Europe to become involved in our conservation work by volunteering to be editors for our videos. We would like to thank the following:

Sky Ruddick: Bath Spa University (UK)

Sara Serpetri: Bath Spa Uniivesity (UK)

Keiran Charlton: University West of England (UK)

Jonas Kerstan: Moers NRW (Germany)

Aleyna Akkaya: Bath University (UK)

Vito Spikerman: Berlin (Germany) 2 videos

Hamza Amir : Bath University (UK)

Adam Backhouse: Bristol University (UK)

Tingxuan Menga

Natalia Espinoza Noriega  Southampton University

Freya Malone Bath Spa University

Celeste Dadd Bath Spa University

Adam Mirreh University of the West of England

Naomi (Hsiang-Chin) Cheng, University of Bath

 

We welcome enquiries from students from all over Europe who have an interest in editing and making videos and/or in supporting in general conservation and wildlife and heritage to contact us to become involved in this project. Full support/guidance is given.

The first sixteen videos have now been published and these are:

 

16. You and Animal Homes

Amidst the immensity of the Sixth Great Mass Extinction Event, global destruction of habitat and loss of wildlife it may feel like there is a tsunami of problems against which we are helpless. BUT there is much we can all do in our little ways which together can reverse and overcome these problems.

And one of them is undertaking a programme of wildlife and habitat Stewardship and love in one's own garden. Domestic gardens cover more space than all the National Parks in the UK together.

This video will give you a guide as to some of the many little steps you can take to make a difference,  and enhance and enrich your own life simultaneously!

Many animals need our help given the dramatic habitat loss all around us and your garden can become a haven to help restore species numbers.

Text & narration: Stephen Ben Cox

Editing: Naomi (Hsiang-Chin) Cheng, University of Bath

Music: Sleeping Sheep by The Green Orbs (YouTube Free Music Library)

Website: stephencoxgarden.webador.co.uk

Email: stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

15. You and the Wild Side

You and the Wild Side is part of a series of short videos from Stephen Cox Garden Trust (registered charity 1174239) comprising excerpts from a series of books.

This one deals with the potential of bringing the Wild Side into your garden whch can help aiding the recovery of the planet as well as enrichment of your life.

Across the world (and also in the UK) natural habitats have been depleted, destroyed  and degraded. This is especially so with regards to Wildflower Meadows which have decreased by the best part of 100% in recent years leading to a dramatic decline of all species of bees butterflies and invertebrates. It is an ecological crisis.

This short video will help you understand the problem better and suggest ways in which you can help.

text & narration: Stephen Ben Cox

editing: Adam Mirreh (University West of England)

music: (Adobe stock crearive cloud) Stuart Hunger

Website: stephencoxgarden.webador.co.uk

Email: stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

14. Greening the City

This video examines the origins and development of the city and the danger it has now reached with ever expanding encroachment on nature. The city was never planned it happened, anarchically growing from the initial compounds of early Neolithic clans. 

The city is now noisy, toxic, polluting, destructive, crowded. In its present form it is unable to be sustained or to expand without evermore destruction of Nature and wildlife, increased climate change, and greater crises resulting-- including for city dwellers.  

Here it is suggested that all problems can be overcome by the city expanding upwards. It proposes a total greening of the city whereby it becomes its own source of food, dramatic expansion of wildlife, improved health and lifestyle, and actually becomes a garden itself. 

Various issues are tackled including such thngs as: 

• Water- streams, fountains, lagoons, ponds. 

• Totally submerged transport. 

• Roads transformed to public open spaces and woodlands. 

• Phasing out motor cars with extensive public transport and hoverpods. 

• Food production. 

• Vegetation covered buildings. 

• Extensive solar panels green roofs. 

• Bringing Nature and wildlife to the city. 

• Sustainable city created energy. 

The city can become green and self sustaining, enhancing human well being and community and planetary healing. 

Editor: Adam Mirreh (University of the West of England) 

Author/Narrator: Stephen Ben Cox 

Music by: Adobe Stock Creative Cloud 

Musician: Miguel Angel Albentosa Bó 

Stephen Cox Garden Trust: https://stephencoxgard... stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com



13.Et in Arcadia Ego


Arcadia to the ancient Greeks intimated harmony and peace:  a landscape of pastoralism wherein the residents lived as if in the Golden Age and not corrupted by modern tendencies. This concept of decline and fall is seen throughout human history and art from the image of the expulsion from the Garden of Eden and through to modern wars, the destruction of landscapes, art works, architecture and even entire cities. We seem to be constantly in the midst of loss and transience. Civilisations rise and fall, potential never fully realised. We defeat ourselves by our ignored shortcomings and hubris.

The work of the French artist NICOLAS POUSSIN (1594 – 1665) spans religion, mythology, and landscape and it is said that in his work there is a consonance of both the pagan and the Christian. Certainly his paintings have a clarity, a harmony and  balance as well as acute storytelling. 

In his painting 'Et in Arcadia Ego' (1637-1638) the transient, ancient, and the arcadian converge. A group of people in a landscape have discovered an ancient tomb, even though the also appear to be in the past. They are all intently looking at  inscription which reads: " I too am in Arcadia". 

The implication? death also is in Arcadia? Arcadia is part of life and death? Or life is transient and we need to make full use of life not waste it and not damage the beauty that is around us…. for Arcadia perhaps is also our own Eden?

This painting serves as a warning:  our anthropocentrism has blinded us to our transience, vulnerability, prodigality, greed, wastefulness and shortcomings. And one day our lives and civilisation will be dust....and what will the epitaph be?

Perhaps it is not too late for the vision of Arcadia to be born in our time for the sake not only of our own survival but of this planet and all creatures thereon.

Editor: Celeste Dadd (Bath Spa University)

Celeste Dadd TV: https://celestedadd.com/

Author/Narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Music: Adobe Creative Cloud

Web: stephencoxgarden.webador.co.uk

Email: stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

12. Extinction

‘EXTINCTION’ explores and explains the 5 Great Mass Extinctions so far in Earth's history and the terrifying fact that we are now in the midst of the 6th: directly caused by humans. The so called 'Anthropocene Age' has caused: •extinction of species 100 times faster than the normal rate. •halved the population of all wild animals since only 1970 •unleashed a tsunami of pollution, exploitation, destruction, industrial farming, fossil fuesl, habitat destruction, poaching, climate change, wildlife trade, drought & erosion, pesticides, throw-away society, mindless consumerism, over-consumption, needless urbanisation, and brought many species world-wide to the brink of extinction. There is ample evidence to call what is happening now the ‘sixth mass extinction’. And reason to describe this loss of biodiversity as ‘biological annihilation’. Effectively it means that we humans are guilty of wildlife and flora and fauna genocide. Earth's normal extinction rate is calculated at 0.1 and 1 species per 10,000 species per 100 years. This is known as the background rate of extinction. A mass extinction event is when species vanish far faster than they are replaced by natural evolution and ecological balancing. This is what is now happening. We humans (that is YOU, me, your family, friends, work colleagues) and the choices we make and who we vote for are directly responsible for the drivers and triggers now causing extinction. It is not a problem somewhere else far away: it is here and now in your home, your garden in your lifestyle. The choice is simple: will you assist survival of the planet and ourselves or encourage and participate in its destructiion and our extinction?.
 
Written & narrated by Stephen Ben Cox Editing/visuals by: Freya Malone  (student at Bath Spa university, UK)

 

11. Introduced Species: The American Mink

Natalia Espinoza Noriega from Peru is a graduate in film from Southampton University and joined the Stephen Cox Garden Trust remote volunteering programme for students at 7 UK Univesities for video editors. She opted to make her own video. Her chosen topic was the difficult question of non-natiive species being introduced into the environment of any particular country (or indeed continent) and causing problems with the ecological balance and thus becoming a serious danger to the survival of native species. This film is about the problem of the escape of the American Mink into the environment of the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom the American mink has wrought havoc amongst native wild populations of wading birds and has dangerously reduced the population of the water vole. It is a wildlife catastrophe. The origin of the problem was commercial farming of American mink (which are bigger than the European mink) for fur and inadvertent escapees plus animal rights activists breaking into these fur farms and releasing mink in large numbers. The trade has fortunately been closed down. Natalia has analyzed the problem in detail from many aspects including some of the latest programmes to cull and eradicate the American mink from the U.K. and thus sabe several native species form extinction

 

10. Mars Re-Purposed

This video about the Roman deity Mars, is a re-evaluation of the symbol, archetype, character, heritage and values of Mars for our own age.  It examines the image of Mars historically and philosophically as having been wrongly designated as only a god of war and then informs us of his Roman origins (compared to Ares the Greek counterpart) and designation of his many other characteristics including that of preserver of peace and guardian of harmonious society. It then proposes the deity’s repurposing in the context of our need for healing the planet and restructuring the way in which humanity operates. 

 

Mars was also the god of vegetation, of Spring, of and protector of crops. His feminine nurture is considered via Ovid’s interpretation that Mars was conceived by Juno without male assistance.  Various paintings (incl. Venus and Mars by the Florentine Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli)  indicates another side of him: as a lover, and the father of Cupid (the god of love) and Concordia (goddess of stable, harmonious and peaceful society).  In the ancient Roman cult 'Mars Quirinus' he was the protector of civilians and guarantor of treaties. And in his book on farming the Roman writer Cato invokes 'Mars Silvanus': a ritual to be carried out in wooded and uncultivated places. The Romans regarded him as the father of Romulus and Remus. Various early Roman writers suggest his job was also to prevent the ruination of crops by the wild forces of Nature. Animals sacred to him were the woodpecker, the wolf, and the bear. The Florentine Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino notes: " Only Venus dominates Mars- and he never dominates her".

The images are by Stephen Ben Cox as is the text and audio clip.

Editor: Tingxuan Menga

Creator/Narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Music: ‘Jeux d’eu’ by: Enokido

9. A Journey of Statues

In the unusual gardens of the Stephen Garden Trust (a registered charity for horticulture and conservation in England) there are many statues. Throughout history civilisations have erected statues for example to commemorate to founders, healers, creators to help inform and inspire their communities for better living . In the Trust gardens, designed as a suite of rooms with different plant collections and compositions, the statues serve some of these purposes but also others: (1) They act as markers to improve the overall perception of the garden and its rooms & plant collections. (2) They punctuate the landscape and lead the eye through a series of variable visual compositions. (3) They also invite the visitor to journey through the garden to discover its unique qualities and treasures and embrace all that it offers. The statuary collection includes life size stone statues of Graeco-Roman deities, and mythological creatures, and also legendary & literary animals; as well as cats, hares, rabbits, lions and puma. The Trust's founder (Stephen Ben Cox) made the audio clip and created the philosophy and manifesto. And added some of his personal photographs. Sky Ruddick (a student at Bath University UK) joined our UK universities team and edited and put together the video. The wonderful music is by Kevin Macleod.

Editor: Sky Ruddick

Creator/Narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Music: Kevin Macleod

Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffFkmZuPaD4&t=10s

8. Arcadia

Arcadia refers to an ancient Greek vision of pastoral harmony. This remote area of Greece was regarded to have been retaining its perfection from the time of The Golden Age. Across the ages many writers, philosophers, and artists have referred to the Arcadian concept as a vision of aspiration and yearning intimating a better world and living. These included: Friedrich August von Kaulbach, Thomas Eakins, Thomas Coles, Jan van Huysum, Joshua Cristall, Markó Károly, George Lambert, Nicolas Didier Bouget, John Consable, Jan Willem Pieneman, Daniel Dupre, Claude Lorrain , Poussin and others. They dealt with Arcadian-like subjects and painted scenes intimating visions of such harmony and peace. Arcadia is my vision of the concept of man in harmony with nature and the landscape which is a pressing need for humanity in today's world with the imminence of the Sixth Great Mass Extinction, and also climate change both of which are looming catastrophes threatening both the planet and the survival of homo sapiens. I regard this vision of Arcadia not so much as wistfully looking back but as an extraction and example of something to which we can seek to achieve and apply to our own time for our own needs to enhance our civilization and reinvigorate and restore the planet . This video explains the implications of today's need for balance and harmony and the dangers we face and takes us on a journey exploring the various visions and concepts of Arcadia in previous centuries.

Director/Editor: KEIRAN CHARLTON

Creator/Narrator: STEPHEN BEN COX

Music: KEVIN MACLEOD

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4qxdqdhvmI

7. Neighbourhood Plans

The Localism Act of 2011 requires every district in Great Britain to prepare, every 10years, a Neighbourhood Plan. Once the plan is finalised it is submitted for public referendum and when voted on becomes local law. It lays out the community aspirations for such things as: Housing, Education, Transport, Shopping, the Environment etc. The Stephen Cox Garden Trust herein sets out proposals for the use of communities on how to improve the environment, enhance conservation, support wildlife, fight climate change, enrich human well-being. Its Founder drew up the initial environmental policies for the neighbourhood plan in his own area.

Editor: Sara Serpetri.

Text and Audio: Stephen Ben Cox

Music by: "In Dreamland" by Chilpeach 

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVp2o5lKIHY

6. Water in the Trust Gardens

We live on a 'water planet': water covers 71% of the Earth. It is the driving force for all existence. So doesn't it follow that water should be a natural part of our gardens? Having water in a garden has many benefits for physical and mental health. Additionally it aids in wildlife/species survival and the rebalancing of our environment.  A  major element is the stunning array of water features set amidst life statues, arches and meandering paths. These include: large fish Pond, Waterfalls, Wetland, formal Fountains, pools, statue fountains, cascade, and so on. It is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary of peace, calm, creativity and learning and receives students from all over Europe. The result? A place which delights eye, enriches the mind, gladdens the heart and uplifts the soul. The video was filmed and edited by one of our past students: Vito Spikerman (Berlin, Germany). 

Editor: Vito Spikerman

Text and audio: Stephen Ben Cox 

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE3BcZd5Us4

5. Embracing Eden

A Trust video urging us to change our ways and save the planet: outlines a bold philosophy of renewal and hope and lists a manifesto for humans to re-attune ourselves both for our own survival and to keep our planet viable and beautiful. The Trust's founder (Stephen Ben Cox) made the audio clip and created the philosophy and manifesto. And added some of his personal photographs. Aleyna Akkaya (a student at Bath University UK) edited and put together the video. The wonderful music is by Philp Ravenel.

Editor/designer: Aleyna Akkaya.

Creator/writer/narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Music by: Philip Ravenel

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuXja6sWUDI&t=56s

4. Renewable Energy

Is an inspiring video by Hamza Aamir an aeronautics student at Bath University in the UK. In this wonderful video Hamza explains his work with the Stephen Cox Garden Trust (a conservation education charity in England) as a student conservation manager, his passion for environmentally friendly future aeronautics, and the urgent need for planetary renewable energy revolution.

Creator: Hamza Aamir

Sponsor: Stephen Cox Garden Trust 

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-20fmt6Q3g

3. Garden Wildlife Crusade

Is a clarion call to all householders to re-evaluate the use of their gardens to help stop the dangerous decline of species across Europe. Wildlife is in crisis and species numbers are dramatically falling and habits are being erased and ecology impoverished It outlines the problems which have caused the catastrophic losses and dangers to wildlife across Europe and the steps that can be taken to help stabilise wildlife populations by householders better arranging their gardens. It lists the easy steps you can take to help protect wildlife and reverse the dangerous decline.

Creator/writer/narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Editor: Adam Backhouse (Bristol University).

Music: by Kevin MacLeod 

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-olUrWhq2Q&t=4s 

2. The Secret Garden

An introduction to the Stephen Cox education charity and its work for the advancement of education in horticulture and conservation. In particular it describes the unusual garden created by the Founder single-handed from a field; the imaginative philosophy,, its various conservation projects and the many opportunities for students and others. The film was edited and produced by Jonas Kerstan a student at high school in Germany and brother of one the charity's Trustees.

Editor/Director: Jonas Kerstan

Writer/photographer/narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Music: Kevin MacLeod

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqz3ZBKllAc

1. Introduction Stephen Cox Garden Trust

The very first film about and by the Stephen Cox Garden Trust (a registered charuity#1174239 for the advancement of education in horticulture and conservation) launching its YouTube Channel for public education and welfare. It comprises an introduction to the garden created by the founder where he talks to camera about what inspired him to create the garden, its design & landscaping, the philosophy and the charitable work of the Trust. Filmed and edited by Vito Spiekermann (German student from Berlin who had a residential student placement at the Trust in 2019)

Creator & Editor: Vito Spiekermann

Narrator: Stephen Ben Cox

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsrIEbXkiB0&t=3s

 

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