A series of free art and nature workshops for children are taking place in local libraries, parks and nature reserves this summer.
‘Stories of Nature’ takes young people on a wild journey covering Wirral’s extensive coastline, award-winning parks, leafy woodlands or urban expanses.
The themes of the events include ‘Urban Oasis’, demonstrating how a massive amount of open space isn’t essential for enticing and enjoying nature and wildlife – it can be nurtured or just appreciated almost everywhere.
‘Coastal Connections’ explores the sights and sounds of Wirral’s shoreline through creative eyes, while ‘Woodland Wonders’ promises ‘hands-on experiences celebrating nature’s beauty and the role libraries and parks play in unlocking its wonders.
‘Hills and Horizons’ is all about families working together the produce part of a large-scale piece of art that, when combined with others will create a stunning, panoramic masterpiece showing the views from the highest points in Wirral.
The local events at West Kirby library and Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre in Thurstaston are:
Splish Splash – 29 July from 2 – 4pm at West Kirby Library
Make your own water station for birds and insects (ages 8+)
Small is Beautiful – 12 August from 10am – 12 midday at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre
Use microscopes to look at the tiny world of nature and create a piece of art (ages 8+)
Young campaigners – 22 July from 10:30am – 12 midday at West Kirby library
A workshop about environmental issues and reflecting on beach finds such as litter and plastics. Design a seashore poster advocating ocean protection (ages 7 – 11).
Young Coastal Artists – 21 July and 30 July from 10:30am – Midday at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre
Draw inspiration from coastal finds and images to create a small painting to take home using water colours and acrylics (ages 7 – 11).
Hills and Horizons – 5 August from 10am – 12 midday at West Kirby Library / 14 August from 10am – 12 midday at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre
Create a giant section of a very large painting featuring local landmarks, wildlife and your family (ages 8+).
Forest Folk: Grass Head Creatures – 18 August from 10am – 12pm (half hour slots) at West Kirby library
Using stockings and elastic bands, craft the faces of your very own grass head folk, filled with sawdust and grass seed, ready to grow their own hair (ages 4+).
Park Light: Suncatchers – 22 August from 10am – 12 midday and 2pm – 4pm at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre
Create nature-inspired suncatchers that catch the light and remind you of woodland wonders lantern paper, pressed leaves, seedheads and forest flowers (ages 4+).
Stories of Nature is supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
All events are stand-alone sessions and must be booked in advance at wirrallibraries.eventbrite.co.uk.
The brochure can be viewed at https://publuu.com/flip-book/566317/2000613.