Nature based art projects for communities trapped in Tier 4 zones

As staff had had to consider travel restrictions in our movements, keeping volunteers and participants safe at events, then we’ve had to come up with some creative ways to keep people engaged with our rivers and wildlife.

We’ve been working with community groups and support agencies to develop some art based projects that support people to engage with the natural world and their local rivers. Here’s a highlight from two of the projects that we’ve undertaken since the weather got colder.

Huw and Nim, part of the RiverLife team, worked with Whitburn Community Development Trust to create 150 community craft packs to be delivered to those most at risk of being isolated or in a carers role this festive season. One hundred of these packs contained a hand drawn map of routes for walks around the rivers and burns of Whitburn and guidance on where to find material for making your own winter wreath. The remaining 50 were festive Christmas pudding bird feeders, that could be made at home for those who were less mobile or were isolating.

Meanwhile Annie Lord an artist based in the Esk catchment has been working with an over 50’s group on a series of online art classes. Annie describes how this works:

“Over in West Lothian a small group have been gathering online for a series of drawing lessons. Together they’ve been discovering that even when we can’t travel far there is always something new and exciting to discover in the local area. The classes, called ‘Nature From Your Window’ have focused on seeing the beauty in the everyday – from watching swift moving clouds and capturing them in charcoal, to observing the intricate patterns of the leaves from local plants. Drawing is a wonderful way of seeing things afresh and each week the group take time to explore a different element of the nature on their doorstep. The weekly sessions are a chance to take a breath, learn new techniques and catch up with each other. “