Get creative this summer with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust's new arts project.

Herts Wild Art is designed to help people connect with wildlife through art.

Running throughout summer and autumn 2022, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust will be hosting a series of art sessions, giving people of all ages and ability the opportunity to observe wildlife and explore their creativity.

The project, which has been funded by Arts Council England, encourages awareness and appreciation of the wildlife that lives alongside us and the amazing wild spaces we have to enjoy locally.

Herts Advertiser: A painting of Willoughby as part of Herts Wild ArtA painting of Willoughby as part of Herts Wild Art (Image: Josh Kubale)

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s engagement coordinator, Emma Matthars, has been responsible for planning Herts Wild Art.

Emma said: “Both wildlife and art are known to be important for mental and physical wellbeing.

"We hope that by encouraging people to take the time to notice nature and take in its detail for artistic purpose that it will make our communities appreciate it even more.

"We are very grateful to Arts Council England, who share our vision for the Herts Wild Art project and who have made it possible to deliver through generous funding.

“Please do come and have a go – hopefully it will be a fun and rewarding experience as well as a creative one!”

Herts Advertiser: ‘Willoughby’, a larger than life willow sculpture created by artist Deb Hart‘Willoughby’, a larger than life willow sculpture created by artist Deb Hart (Image: Emma Matthars)

‘Willoughby’, a larger than life willow sculpture created by artist Deb Hart, will feature as the central showpiece at a number of drop-in art sessions being hosted by the conservation charity.

Budding artists of all ages are welcome to come along and have a go using the easels and art materials provided free of charge.

In addition to the drop-in sessions, there are several courses in the Herts Wild Art schedule available for pre-booking.

These are designed to introduce participants to learn new skills or techniques under the tutorage of renowned artists.

The programme of online and in-person events includes workshops dedicated to nature-inspired collaging, natural dyeing, willow weaving, watercolours, pastels and street art.

Those taking part in any of the Herts Wild Art events will be able to take their work away with them but are encouraged to share their creations online using the hashtag #hertswildart

The Big Wild Weekend is set to take place at Panshanger Park on Saturday, June 18 from 11am to 3pm as part of June's 30 Days Wild.

A full programme of Herts Wild Art events together with booking details, where appropriate, can be found at www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/herts-wild-art