This year’s Fantastic Forest Festival sought to connect and inspire people of all ages about trees and the woodlands of Galloway.
One part of the festival was a series of school sessions with pupils encouraged to draw a ‘Fantastic Tree for the Future’. Parents, teachers, friends and members of the public are now invited to come along to Castle Douglas Art Gallery between 26th-29th (10-4pm) May to enjoy an inspiring exhibition of over 100 drawings by some talented young tree designers from Dalry, Kells, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas Primary Schools.
The classes who took part learned about the science of trees and the cross-cultural mythologies of the “Tree of Life”. Inspired by these stories and what trees can do for the environment, these talented young people designed their own trees. The schools who took part competition won 20 native trees which they planted in their school or community.
Ms MacDonald from Castle Douglas Primary School said;
“The pupils in p4/5 at Castle Douglas Primary absolutely loved being part of the Design a Tree Project. From our visit from Jan to tell us all about trees and the work they do to help our planet, to the drawing of our Trees it has been a special project to be involved in. The icing on the cake was the chance to plant trees in our school grounds and we look forward to seeing them grow. Thank you to everyone involved in the setting up and delivery of this project. We have enjoyed every minute and learnt so much.”
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer has been stunned by the children’s creativity and environmental awareness about trees. She said,
“I highly recommend coming along to see this exhibition of over 100 drawings by some very talented young people. Looking at these drawings is so inspiring and fills me with hope because if these young people are looking after nature now and in the future, there is a chance for more nature restoration and biodiversity in our landscapes and communities. This in turn helps slow climate change and ensures that life within our natural environment can flourish.”
The exhibition also has on display some Fantastic Forest Designs by young people at Dalry Secondary School who took part in a project which explored forestry in their local area. They explored what trees they would plant if they designed a forest and thought about public access. And also, visitors will be able to view the winner of the Spirit of a Tree Photography Competition.
The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.
