Mossy magic at FarmtoCity in Clapham
A group of school children from Clapham waving Mossy Carpet pompoms
Dartmoor Farms, and many other Dartmoor based organisations along with the Art and Energy Collective travelled to London in June for Farm to City. It was an amazing event organised by the Shallowford Farm Trust in Dartmoor and their partner Providence House in London for the communities and young people of Clapham, Wandsworth. For some children it was the first time they had seen a cow or pig for real and experience a farm. They learnt where food comes from and found out more about biodiverse landscapes and of commons of Dartmoor National Park.
We provided the creative engagement element through How to Bury the Giant with The Mossy Carpet, helping the wider community in London understand the value of Dartmoor’s peatlands and celebrating opportunities for nature-based solutions to benefit us all in the face of the Climate Emergency.
Through the making of The Mossy Carpet, acknowledging environmental action inspired by mosses, this project reached more than 2000 children and 300 community members during the 5 days event delivery.
Heather, an evening event visitor commented, “It was great seeing the creation of a beautiful output from talking about the climate emergency, something large and scary"
A teacher and children looking at Sphagnum with a digital microscope.
We introduced mosses, the first plants on land over 450m years ago, before dinosaurs roamed the land. We explained that mosses hold carbon, make soil, purify air, reduce flooding - amazing little plants creating a new world for all living things to thrive. They are found growing in the cracks in the pavements in Wandsworth, and right up on top of Dartmoor - some mosses even making peat. We explained each tiny moss is creating a better environment, and together making a big difference. Can we all #BeMoreMoss ?
"Where have you seen moss? On my Dad's car, around the windows! "
After being inspired by moss, the children and young people then got making pom-poms to add to The Mossy Carpet.Those taking part ranged from 4 to 18 years old - quite a spectrum of abilities and knowledge.
We managed to get everyone to attempt to make one pompom each, nevertheless. A simple access point to help join in is always best. #TheMossyCarpet
The Bury the Giant project at the FarmtoCity was a constant hub of activity and colour, with children continuously engaged, and Naomi and Jenny exuding friendliness and enthusiasm.' Robert from Providence House
If there was time, everyone was invited to share their actions on the Tardigrade telephone. #TellTheTardigrade The children love the tardigrade, some found the old fashioned telephone interesting too!. The aim is to have some of those voices speaking from the carpet using conductive thread and speakers in the textiles so that the actions can be heard and celebrated.
'The interactive nature of the activity meant that it was engaging and created an inspiring spring board from which important discussions about nature and climate were created.' Ellie from Shallowford
After a week and more than 2000 pompoms, we travelled wearily home by train but pleased to have made Dartmoor mossy magic happen at Providence House!
