Local budding filmmakers, aged between 16-24, are being enlisted by The Royal Parks to shoot a film about the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park.

The Royal Parks has teamed up with Groundwork London on the production of a ten minute film, to be launched at a special screening in October. The project will involve five days of free workshops between 18 August-5 September, teaching filming skills such as shot composition and lighting techniques, as well as post production techniques including video editing and sound editing. Young people can sign up to all five days, or alternatively register for individual workshops.

Featuring in Timeout's best secret gardens in London, Isabella Plantation, spans 40 acres and is planted with ferns, exotic trees and shrubs. Established in the 1950s, the ornamental woodland garden is also a good place to spot birds, with residents that include the tawny owl, bullfinch and redpoll.

Jo Scrivener, Assistant Park Manager at Richmond Park said:

"Aside from creating a compelling record of the Plantation through film, this phase of the project enables young people with an avid interest in media to work alongside professional filmmakers and gain hands on experience."

The film is part of an access project run by The Royal Parks, with the support of a £1.5million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery Fund. In addition to community activities, the project has delivered a range of physical improvements including: enhancements to ponds and streams, clearance of overgrown rhododendron and extensive re-planting, upgrades to the existing path network, resurfacing and redesign of the Plantation's car park for people with disabilities as well as the addition of a new, fully accessible toilet block.

To express your interest call Colin Graham from Groundwork London on 0208 510 5416 or email colin.graham@groundwork.org.uk

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