Conservation conversation

This project is in collaboration with community and conservation community group Chiltern Rangers for girls’ SEN school Alfriston and Naphill primary school, both in the Chilterns AONB.

Through a series of four day-long engagements, we explored the specific rarities of different habitats in the Chilterns.  The post-16 students from Alfriston took the role of something between big sister and mentor, each supporting two of the primary aged children to explore, make and discuss. This approach proved really harmonious. 

The mornings were spent learning to identify specific orchids, trees, wildflowers, insects, butterflies and understand the conditions they need to thrive. Carefully collecting sample cuttings of anything not endangered, we compiled a herbarium. 

The afternoons were about applied creativity. Plant dyes, solar dyes, tree people, plant pressing, botanical drawing. The herbarium and workshop outcomes are being compiled for print in 2023.