By Trish Matthews, Brora Learning Zone Co-ordinator
Species on the Edge is the current theme for our in-house social enterprise programme. The social enterprise is working closely with Tracy, Species on the Edge’s East Coast Project Officer, to create an informative art exhibition, two small butterfly/bee gardens and merchandise which helps raise awareness of 18 of the Highland-based coastal species which are under threat.
Each of the learners have chosen two species to investigate and champion, so have been researching photographs and background information using their mobile phones, I-pads or computers. The results of this can then be used as reference material for artwork and greetings cards and merchandise packaging. We also designed and helped to make tote bags for attendees of Species on the Edge’s Small Blue Conference who have been involved in conservation work for the project.
Historylinks Museum, Dornoch, will be stocking some of the merchandise and art which will help raise funds for plants and bee hotels for the butterfly and bee garden areas at both Brora Learning Zone and Lairg Learning Centre as well as helping the social enterprise to cover costs for art materials for the projects. Over the autumn we hope to be able to take part in a few local conservation days to help clear scrub at a small blue site.
As well as the conservation aspect to this project, this is very much a health and wellbeing venture aimed at reconnecting people back to nature, with many of the learners being supported by and referred through the local NHS mental health team, Enable Works, employability or other local referral agencies. As well as the therapeutic creative aspects of the work, learners can have the chance to benefit from working outdoors in the garden area, take part in nature walks or even be inspired to develop their own butterfly/bee garden areas at home. Some of the group are using the project as part of their adult achievement awards or Core Skills Working with Others qualifications.
