Green Space Dark Skies Bursaries

North Wales Africa Society, who participated in our Green Space Dark Skies Ynys Môn/Anglesey event chose to visit Llanberis in Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri/Snowdonia National Park. The group visited the National Slate Museum for the first time, before going on a guided nature walk alongside Llyn Peris (Lake Peris), including viewing the ruins of Dolbardan Castle before settling down for a picnic overlooked by the mountains.

Healthy Lives Project and Powys People First visited Llanthony Priory in Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park. The group organised creative writing and art workshops in four different locations in the Park prior to their visit to immerse themselves in the National Park and Llanthony Abbey. Activities on the day included a visit to the Coed y Cerrig Nature Reserve, a tour of the Priory ruins, a picnic, drawing at the Abbey, reading stories aloud and even acting out a story: ‘Monk at Llanthony Priory’.

Luton-based Creative Expression Ltd facilitated a visit for a group of families to Broads National Park. Activities included a trip along the Waveney River following the historic railway line through the Waveney Valley, wildlife spotting, catching sight of an otter, kingfishers and Marsh Harriers, a tour of Toad Hole Cottage, Wherry and Secret Garden, a guided walk in Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, geocaching trail activity, and a picnic on How Hill.

Bradford-based Mind the Gap visited Sutton Bank in North York Moors National Park on a swelteringly hot day. They spent time silent walking, listened to bird song, orienteering, used magnifying glasses and binoculars to inspect the landscape up close and far away, and learned about the history of Sutton Bank, including local myths and legends. Supported by Aqeel Pavez, Poet and Workshop Leader, after their visit the group read poetry by William Carlos Williams and Emily Dickinson to stimulate ideas about how to use their memories to create their own poetry about nature.