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New map connects parks and open spaces in and around Bristol

By Martin Booth  Sunday Feb 7, 2021

A new map inspired by Harry Beck’s famous map of the London Underground features ten ‘lines’ and some 250 green places to explore across Bristol.

The ‘Greenground Map’ by graphic designer Helen Ilus aims to connect the city’s parks and open spaces to inspire walks, runs and bike rides.

Helen lives in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, but graduated from UWE Bristol with a Master’s degree in animation. The map of Bristol is her third Greenground Map following versions of London and Edinburgh.

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“Working on this map was an opportunity to take a walk down to memory lane, as I walked and cycled all over and up and down Bristol during my MA,” Helen wrote on a blog on her website.

“I remember long walks to Bower Ashton from Bedminster on weekends and crossing the misty Avon on the bike on my way to work in the mornings.

“Although I know few of the routes covered on this map, there are many more I haven’t walked on and making this map has been truly mind expanding.”

The Northern Slopes in Knowle West has panoramic views across Bristol – photo: Martin Booth

Helen’s map goes as far west as Portishead, as far north as Wild Place Project, as far east as Wick and as far south as Dundry.

Lines include one following the route of the River Avon and another following the Frome, while the route of the Bristol & Bath Railway Path is a line called ‘Railway’.

Helen added: “As Bristol is a very creative city and street art has become a very important scene over the past years, I also included a ‘Street Art’ line which includes some more nature-inspired works.”

Greenbank Cemetery is included in the Greenground Map – photo: Martin Booth

Main image: Bristol Greenground map by Helen Ilus

Read more: Artist designs ‘survival map’ for a quarantined world

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