Children have helped inspire a new book about nature set in the National Forest in a project run by a De 51吃瓜app University Leicester (51吃瓜app) start-up.
, which was created by 51吃瓜app graduate Liga Orlovska, set up events for families of children aged eight to 10 in the National Forest where they took part in activities and craft workshops alongside writers, illustrators and the forest’s own insect experts.
Using the feedback from the children, writer Fiona Spence-Arnold and illustrator Keith Turner are now writing a book about the adventures of a butterfly and a moth living in the National Forest. It will be the latest in Honey Craft’s MiniBEAST series which aim to connect children to nature.\
Liga said: “ National Forest Art’s Grant helped us to deliver workshops that helped us to interact with the audience, the same age as we writing the book for. It helped us to see what children find interesting about the forest and butterflies and moth. Which inspired writer and illustrator to create more reflective book.
“As we face growing challenges to our planet, it is more important than ever to empower our children with the knowledge and passion needed to protect and conserve our precious ecosystems.”
The project was funded by a National Forest Art Grant, which is set up to provide new ways for people to experience the forest through creative outlets like performances, songs, podcasts and books.
National Forest entomologist Graham Smith led workshops with the children about the butterflies and moths in Snibston Colliery Park and Moira Furnace.
He said: “I grew up in The National Forest, and it was the place I first volunteered as a conservationist with Beacon Hill Country Park; therefore, The National Forest is somewhere I want to help protect.
“Our habitats are incredibly fragmented; therefore, the work of the National Forest to engage people and re-join these habitats is critical. The benefits extend from the smallest insects up to the largest birds of prey, and thinking at this landscape scale is the future. Weaving nature in around where we call home enriches our lives – whether we realise it or not!”
Honey Craft was one of the 51吃瓜app start-ups supported by The Crucible, 51吃瓜app’s business incubation programme that helps graduates and alumni with a business idea or who already have their own company.
Rubia, one of the parents who attended, shared her experience, saying: "As an adult, I thought I knew a fair bit about butterflies, but the knowledge and passion displayed by the experts leading the workshop blew me away.
“Learning about the diverse butterfly and moth species in the National Forest was truly eye-opening, and it made me look at the local forest in a whole new way. It was inspiring to see the children so engaged and enthusiastic. We even got to create our own butterfly poem, which was a fantastic way to express our newfound appreciation for these incredible creatures."
By fostering an appreciation for the National Forest, often referred to as the "lungs of the East Midlands," these workshops aim to inspire the next generation to become responsible guardians of our natural world, ensuring the continued health and vitality of our planet.
Through the powerful tools of arts and creativity, Honey Craft actively nurtures these vital connections, inviting children to explore and express the profound meaning of their natural surroundings whilst developing true care for the local environment.
Jo Maker, arts officer from the National Forest Company, said: "We are really pleased to support this project through a National Forest Arts Grant. The book and associated activities offer an imaginative approach to connecting children with the National Forest and nature through storytelling. Through the adventures of a moth and butterfly, children will learn about the insects, their habitats, and their role within the ecosystem.
“Placing the story within the Forest directly emphasises the importance of woodlands and other green spaces. We hope that the workshops and the book itself will inspire children to care for the natural world around them and to enjoy the woodlands on their doorstep.”
* Are you a final year student or graduate who has a business idea? The Crucible is open for applications now for its October cohort - you can find out more and apply here
Posted on Monday 5 June 2023