Here's the latest
Blog post from Anna, Manx BirdLife Education Manager, with her thoughts on the final event of summer 2024.
I had anticipated ‘My Mindful Nature Journal’, a Manx Young Birders’ Event and creative collaboration with Momma Moon’s Art Studio on the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve, to be a calm and gentle affair. So, when the weather turned out to be wet and wild, I admit I was a little concerned. Would families make the journey to the far north of the Island? Would children want to sketch? Would it be the right conditions for mindfulness? I should not have worried because it turns out that weather for ducks is the perfect weather for spotting said ducks, tuning into nature and being in the present moment. Tufted Ducks, Cormorants and Gulls were spotted on the lagoon and in the sky as we made our way to Collister Hide, and sharing fascinating facts about these water-loving birds only helped to focus the children’s minds. Before going inside the hide, Laura Moon led us in a mindfulness exercise where we closed our eyes, embraced the elements and listened to the sounds around us – the feel of the rain on our faces and the sound of the wind in our ears really helped to ground us in the present moment. Once settled on the hide’s wooden benches, the children watched the wetland landscape before them; spotting, sketching, painting and recording facts about the birds they could see in their journal.
I hope this is just the start of their journaling and that the magical mix of nature, art, and mindfulness will be with the children for life; helping them to look after their mental wellbeing, as well as the wildlife they spot, sketch and try to save, into the future.
With best birdy wishes,
Anna
Check out Momma Moon's Art Studio and get in touch with Laura to find out about her nature themed indoor and outdoor workshops!
Look out for upcoming Manx BirdLife events on Facebook and the website.
Join the Manx Young Birders' Events Group on Facebook.
Find out more about the Manx BirdLife Education Programme and the educational sessions and walks on offer for your school or community group.
