Manx BirdLife are delighted to announce our first family event at the newly open Point of Ayre national reserve. Anna, Manx BirdLife’s Education Manager will be teaming up with Laura of Momma Moon’s Art Studio, to deliver a unique and exciting Manx Young Birders’ Event, ‘My Mindful Nature Journal’ on Tuesday 13th August at 10am.
Combining their own love of the natural world and knowledge of natural history, art and mindfulness, Anna and Laura will help children to ignite a lifelong love of nature and art through spotting and sketching wildlife in their very own nature journal. Families can discover how creating a nature journal can also bring joy, increase knowledge of the natural world, and help look after their mental wellbeing, particularly in the face of the current biodiversity crisis.
In their words, Spot it. Sketch it. Save it!
The event will start with an insight into some of the beautiful bird species that can be seen at the Reserve, followed by a gentle stroll to the Collister Hide, spotting and sketching birds, plants and bugs along the way. Children will be encouraged to notice where the wildlife is – is it in the sky, on the ground or in the vegetation, and to stop and listen to the sounds around them. On entering the Hide, children will find themselves on the very edge of the lagoon where they can spot more birds with binoculars. With access to a wide range of art materials and wildlife identification guides and books, time will then be spent bringing their sketches to life with colour and detail. Families will be invited to finish with a mindful listening practice and welcomed to stay on the Reserve for a hot drink and picnic lunch, and to wander the Reserve in their own time.
The event is aimed at children 5 to 13 years (all attendees must be accompanied by their parent, guardian or carer throughout the event).
£15 per child, £25 for two children, £30 for three children and £5 per additional child. Adults free. Costs cover artist time and guidance, sketch books and art materials and hot drink.
Limited spaces are available and booking is essential. To book email anna@manxbirdlife.im.
We hope to see you there!
