Exploring Brimham Rocks

2024

'Migrations of Stone' by Natalie Anastasia Davies

In 2024, National Trust Brimham Rocks partnered with the Yorkshirebased arts charity Word Up North to appoint poet Natalie Anastasia Davies as their new Writer in Residence. Natalie is a Yorkshire-born poet and facilitator of Grenadian descent. Over a series of months, Natalie immersed herself in the site at Brimham Rocks; meeting visitors and volunteers, traversing the natural spectacle of the giant  rock formations and heather moorland and exploring the ecology and history of a site sculpted by 320 million years of movement and hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain and wind. ‘Migrations of Stone’ is her poetic response.

You can now pick up a copy of ‘Migrations of Stone’ and see a video of the poem being performed by Natalie Anastasia Davies in the Visitor Centre.

2023

'Balancing Act' by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage 

In 2023, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was commissioned to write a poem inspired by Brimham Rocks. His poem celebrates what Brimham Rocks is and why it's such an important place for nature, wildlife, and visitors. The poem entitled Balancing Act was carved into two large, locally sourced stones creating a permanent work of art, which have been positioned on the north moor at Brimham. The poem is also on display at the visitor centre. These spaces offer a place for reflection and contemplation, giving visitors an opportunity to connect with nature. Find out more about the poety comission with Poet Laurate Simon Armitage here.