Nature Calling: Luton Henge

Luton Henge is a bold new artwork and community landmark by award-winning artist Matthew Rosier. It was commissioned by the Chilterns National Landscape and produced by Revoluton Arts as part of the Nature Calling programme to celebrate local heritage and encourage greater connection with the landscape.

“Thousands of years ago people came together from across the chalk landscape of the Chilterns to create Waulud’s Bank, a giant earthwork marking the source of the River Lea. 5,000 or so years later, with dozens of collaborators and volunteers, we’ve created the latest iteration to this sacred site.” Matt Rosier, Artist.

Inspired by this incredible local heritage, the sculpture was designed in collaboration with Luton residents using local natural materials. The artwork features eight standing stones made from Totternhoe chalk, oriented toward key seasonal, local and global landmarks. At its centre is a five-metre chalk circle offering a welcoming setting for community events, informal gatherings and moments of reflection.

From start to finish, this project was about cultivating community. Guided walks and community workshops were held culminating in the opening festival in July 2025. A ‘Henge Collective’ of local volunteers helped to guide the development of the Henge. Alongside Marsh Farm Outreach and other local community groups, they will help care for the site and keep it as a place for celebration and contemplation for the whole community.

Elaine King, Chief Executive, Chilterns National Landscape said: “Luton Henge is a beautiful new monument and nature-rich community space, connecting to the Chilterns countryside and shaped by the local community. Luton’s heritage – from ancient earthworks to 90s rave culture – might not be what people might associate with the countryside, but it’s all part of our connection to the land. Working with Luton’s communities has been a joy. Their enthusiasm and ideas have shaped something truly special.”

Inspiration for Luton Henge – Lee Nelson poetry

As part of the Nature Calling project, we commissioned Lutonian writer Lee Nelson to create a collection of poetry inspired by the local landscape. Lee invited local people to two events exploring the landscape and heritage of the Chilterns. This included a visit to Barton Hills Nature Reserve, discovering the chalk springs, and a storytelling circle at Waulud’s Bank, an ancient monument at Marsh Farm next to the source of the River Lea. People were invited to share memories, stories and experiences prompted by the local landscape in and around Luton and these have shaped Lee’s poetry. Lee’s poetry and his close collaboration with Matt Rosier was a source of inspiration for co-creating the Luton Henge vision.

Lee has been writing and performing poetry for nearly 30 years. His work has rhythm and grit, humour and commitment.  Lee was inspired by his visits to the Chilterns as a child and his more recent visits with his own son and community groups from his hometown of Luton, the result is a short collection of nine poems. Find out more about our work with Lee and read his poems here.

Resources

Future plans for Luton Henge

The area around the Henge will be transformed into a vibrant chalk grassland meadow, planted with native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs in partnership with a range of local groups and volunteers.

There are plans to hold more festivals and events at the Henge from next Spring, and we are working closely with Revoluton Arts and other Luton based partners to support opportunities. There are already plans to offer Tai Chi, Shamanic drumming, yoga and other activities at the Henge, as well as a regular programme of nature and heritage community walks. Interpretation, signage and a nature trail around the site will be developed through Luton Council’s Roots to Healthy Places Nature Towns & Cities programme.  Watch this space!