FLOCK! Migration, Birds & Changing Landscapes

Brought to you by This is Nation CIC

Project Overview

FLOCK! Migration, Birds & Changing Landscapes was a creative engagement project that explored the connections between migratory birds, climate change, cultural identity and Bodmin Moor’s natural heritage. Delivered by This is Nation in partnership with artists, environmental specialists, heritage organisations and community groups, the project brought together Bodmin College students, NHS staff and members of the wider community to explore themes of migration, belonging and environmental change through nature-based experiences and creative activities.

The project used the stories of migratory birds as a way of connecting people to Bodmin Moor’s landscape while encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences of movement, home and identity. Through a combination of guided walks, creative workshops and a public exhibition, FLOCK! helped make both the natural and cultural heritage of Bodmin Moor more accessible to new audiences.

What took place?

Participants took part in a programme of guided field experiences on Bodmin Moor, including ecological listening sessions and walks at Rough Tor where they learned about bird migration, biodiversity and the changing landscape of the Moor. Many participants were visiting Bodmin Moor for the first time, making the experience particularly meaningful and memorable.

Creative workshops encouraged participants to explore bird symbolism, migration stories and environmental change through visual art, storytelling, sound recording and creative writing. Students from Bodmin College drew on their own languages, cultures and personal experiences, while NHS participants explored themes of wellbeing, reflection and connection with nature.

The project culminated in a public exhibition and engagement programme at National Trust Lanhydrock. The exhibition showcased participant-created starling artworks alongside archive material from Kresen Kernow, artefacts from Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, and interactive activities that invited visitors to contribute their own stories and reflections. A large-scale starling installation provided a striking visual focal point and encouraged thousands of visitors to engage with the themes of the project.

Outcomes

FLOCK! successfully increased understanding of Bodmin Moor’s natural and cultural heritage through the combination of ecological learning, creative practice and personal storytelling. Participants gained new knowledge about migratory birds, landscape change and wildlife while exploring how these themes connected to their own experiences of migration, belonging and identity.

The project achieved significant public engagement. Fifteen Bodmin College students, eight NHS staff participants and more than 50 people took part directly in guided walks and creative activities. The exhibition and engagement programme reached 248 visitors, while the starling installation was viewed by more than 3,500 people, creating a combined public reach of 3,776 people.

The project also delivered important wellbeing benefits. Participants reported feeling calmer, less stressed and more connected to nature, with NHS participants highlighting the value of taking time away from work pressures to engage in outdoor learning and creativity. Bodmin College students developed confidence, celebrated their cultural identities and discovered new ways to express their experiences through art and storytelling.

Strong partnerships between artists, educators, environmental organisations and heritage organisations enriched the project and demonstrated the value of bringing together different perspectives to explore shared themes of people, place and nature.

Conclusion

FLOCK! demonstrated how creative engagement can strengthen connections between communities, nature and heritage. By combining outdoor learning, artistic practice and cultural storytelling, the project enabled participants to experience Bodmin Moor in new ways while encouraging deeper conversations about migration, landscape change and belonging.

The project left a lasting legacy through its artwork, exhibitions, strengthened partnerships and the experiences shared by participants and audiences. Most importantly, it showed how the stories of birds and landscapes can help people connect with one another, fostering a greater appreciation of Bodmin Moor’s unique natural and cultural heritage while inspiring future engagement with the environment.