Bright Nights Festival

Thought for the week: Nature in Art

Every year I look forward the light festival that comes to town, this is the eighth year visiting Barnsley.

The reason I look forward to it is that these events are often full of nature inspired installations that blend art and nature beautifully. It also brings the whole town together, as long as it’s not wet or clashes with an England football match as it did one year. It can bring people of all ages into town even though its dark.

I love to see how art as a medium can be used to illustrate ecological concepts and environmental concerns of the day. I think it is important that we stop and look at what those issues might be, and art is a super medium to bring those concerns to life without judgement, if the message is clear. These installations are often interactive yet stimulating and I come away with a sense of wellbeing and fresh ideas for myself and aspire to be more creative going forward.

Last weekend there were more people at the Bright Nights than I have seen previously so well done the organisers, I even had to queue to see some of the installations. 

The Myth of Bugonia

Thought of the Week:  Now for something completely different:

Biblical Scripture: Judges 14:14
“Out of the eater came forth meat; and out of the strong came forth sweetness.”

If you are curious as to what the logo for Lyles’s Golden Syrup and scripture from the bible Judges 14:14, has to do with hoverflies then please click the read more below……

Artificial Intelligence in Natural History

Thought for the Week 

Is the use of Artificial Intelligence in Natural History a good thing?

Do we think over the coming years with the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) for natural history, will we lose books dedicated to identification?

A Wilder Future for the Uplands

Unleashing the Power of Nature to Recover & Restore the Countryside

Thought of the week is slightly different this week because over the last few days I have been at a conference, in Sheffield, about the uplands. Listening to many passionate speakers debate the state of the uplands and what needs to be done to restore them. 

https://www.ukeconet.org/wilder-future-for-the-uplands.html

Thought for the week - Autumn

How to Save the World

If we truly wish to save the world, the most powerful step we can take is to nurture a deeper sensitivity to nature and embrace the joy it brings.

• Become more aware of the natural world—noticing its beauty, complexity, and importance in our lives.

• Develop empathy and respect for all living things—plants, animals, and ecosystems.