The Art of Mini-beasts

We are very pleased to report the success of our first event exclusively for children. The morning’s activities were enjoyed by around thirty youngsters, accompanied by their carers.  The workshop was organised around the contribution of sculptor and wildlife enthusiast, Andy Jarrett. He brought a variety of live minibeasts such as garden snails and small aquatic creatures to observe, talk about and draw. Andy had a great rapport with the children who were completely absorbed.

Some of our own FNM steering group (a handy mix of ex-teachers, artists and art therapists) provided a wonderful range of creative activities, from simple colouring and bee puppets on a stick to printing minibeasts with paint and potatoes. There was a great setup of ‘drawing’ a bee or butterfly on a polystyrene tile and using an inked roller and an old manual press to create a beautiful print. 

There was also the opportunity to make a dragonfly from a wonderful collection of natural materials. The finished models were given pride of place in the vegetation around the small raised tray pond that had been specially devised. An easy idea to recreate at home to encourage little ones to spot the wildlife that will arrive.

Mid-morning refreshments were kindly organised by a team of four of our supporters and families, and we are very grateful for their help and for all contributions of salad snacks, sandwiches and cakes.

It was so rewarding to see the children’s engagement and enjoyment - some of them kept busy for over three hours. One mother of a six year old said her daughter was in insect heaven. It’s so important to help to enthuse young people about looking after the minibeasts that are so important for the biodiversity of the whole food chain.

The parents and grandparents present were appreciative of the event too, and we had some great emails afterwards to saying their children had been very inspired, and afterwards at least one child had gone straight out in to his garden to search for minibeasts and create a home for the dragonfly he had made. Another budding naturalist.

Join us for our nature loving children’s event. 'The Art of Mini-beasts' is a celebration of insects through creativity, led by artist Andy Jarrett.

Suitable for children of all ages. No need to book. Drop in and out any time between those hours. It’s free of charge and refreshments for children and carers will be provided. (Donations are always acceptable but not obligatory).

Outdoor creative activities will be provided by experienced leaders, but carers are responsible for their children’s well-being and safety. Providing an old shirt is a good idea to cover up children’s clothes for painting etc. If it’s hot please also bring sunscreen and a sun hat. We have a gazebo for shelter but if it’s very wet and windy or chilly we’ll be in the Village Hall.
We are still being vigilant about transmission of Covid 19 so if any member of your household has any symptoms please do not attend this event. Also, please note that no dogs are allowed on this occasion. Thank you.