15 July 2024
A novel form of art will feature in this summer’s exhibition in the North York Moors National Park’s gallery when skateboards adorned with creative designs go on display.
The one-off skateboard designs have been created by students from the Scarborough Pupil Referral Service who have used art to explore parallels between their own lives and those of endangered birds that exist on the edge of habitats.
The skateboards, along with work from a talented line-up of other artists, will be on display during the Birds on the Edge exhibition which runs from Saturday 20 July until Sunday 8 September at the Inspired by… gallery in Danby as part of the North York Moors Trust’s National Lottery Heritage-funded Birds on the Edge project.
The project, which aims to bring people and nature closer together, is creating and restoring vital habitats for birds that thrive on the edges of woodland and farmland, such as Turtle Doves, Redstarts, Song Thrushes and Yellowhammers, by providing drinking pools and ponds, and working with farmers to develop wildflower plots.
For the exhibition, self-confessed ‘bird nerd’, Holly Magdalene Scott and local printmaker Lyn Bailey will honour the significance and enchantment of birds through their lino cut prints; while Whitby ceramicist Jean Cunion will take inspiration from the wildlife she sees on the local moorland and coast to produce stylised geometric shaped ceramics.
She will be joined by other ceramicists, Jacqui Atkin, Kate Timson and Jean White, together with Huddersfield mixed media artist Jo Blaker who will explore the Birds on the Edge theme through a series of sketchbook watercolours and drawings.
Acclaimed local artist Peter Reynolds will depict the fragility of birds’ lives through his paintings and textile artist Bridget Bailey will use the concept of nests to show the sustainable ingenuity of birds.
A programme of art-related events, workshops and nature walks will also run alongside the exhibition.
This is the second year the Trust has collaborated, in partnership with community producing company ARCADE, with the Pupil Referral Service, a specialist education facility nurturing young people who are not in a mainstream school.
As well as pupils carrying out conservation tasks with the Trust, last year a group produced a series of films, poetry and music through weekly creative sessions inspired by the project’s mission and exploring possible parallels between their own lives and threatened bird species as well as the work to protect them.
James Metcalfe, Director of the North York Moors Trust explains: “Art is a powerful way of connecting people and nature and supporting the health and resilience of both.
For students at the Pupil Referral Service, moving their education outdoors has been transformative. The opportunity and freedom it gives has allowed them to thrive, harness talents, acquire skills, and form a meaningful and lasting connection with the natural world.
“I am proud to see that the benefits of connecting people and nature have been realised through this project – from enhanced health, wellbeing, and personal growth, through to strengthened relationships between students and teachers, improved confidence and inspiring new aspirations, as well as fostering a genuine love for, and commitment to, protecting nature.”
The Trust began the Birds on the Edge project in January 2023, working in partnership with North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire Council, Yorkshire Water, Forestry England, Howardian Hills National Landscape and ARCADE. The project continues until October 2026.
Local charity, the Woodsmith Foundation, also funded additional engagement work with the students to create the skateboards.
For more information on the Birds on the Edge exhibition go to northyorkmoors.org.uk/Birds-on-the-Edge
ENDS
Media contacts
Amanda Brown on M: 07876 452580 or email: amanda@a2bpr.co.uk
Or Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.
To view other press releases and for further information about the North York Moors National Park, visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk
The North York Moors Trust
The North York Moors Trust is an independent charity striving for a thriving, healthy and resilient future for people and nature.
We connect people and nature to improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities within the North York Moors, as well as surrounding areas where there are specific needs related to health, social and economic inequalities.
We protect and revive nature through better connected, diverse, and enriched habitat, making our landscape and communities more resilient to challenges posed by the changing climate, and creating opportunities for nature, communities, and business to thrive alongside one another.
We champion our cherished landscapes, communities, and heritage to ensure they continue to be enjoyed by those who live, work, or spend quality time here in the North York Moors today, and future generations.