'Flock,' an emerging new Christian community, is combining art and environmental concern to foster a deep appreciation for the natural world. Led by Gill Sakakini, Pioneer Priest in the Arts in Shepton Mallet, and a team of creative practitioners, Flock has organised an Eco-Arts Festival to celebrate the beauty of creation and raise awareness about the need to take greater care of God’s earth. Gill says, “We are seeking to celebrate the beauty of creation, raise awareness of ways to conserve it, and this year in particular, to highlight the role of insects. We have done this through creative activism and community collaboration.”
The highlight of the festival is the Bugs and Grubs Trail, created in partnership with the Somerset Wildlife Trust. In celebration of its 60th anniversary the trail features sixty sculptures made from recycled and repurposed materials, spread across the parishes of Shepton Mallet, Doulting, and Cranmore. These sculptures form a visual "pollinator corridor," emphasising the importance of planting flowers and shrubs to attract insects.
In addition to the artistic installations, the trail involves local churches, schools, and community groups. The churches, including Cranmore which will have an insect sculpture on the church tower, serve as hosts, offering refreshments to visitors. The project aims to engage a broad audience, from tourists to local residents, to demonstrate the crucial role insects play in our ecosystem.
Educational initiatives are also a key component of the festival. Children St Aldhelm’s School, Doulting have designed and created insect fact-files. These have been embedded in QR codes, placed on the sculptures so visitors can learn more about each insect. Gill says, “Through their involvement children in schools are becoming greater ambassadors for recycling and the responsible disposal of waste, and families, groups, and businesses are encouraged to create pollinator & composter-friendly gardens as well as embracing more sustainable decisions in shopping, use of plastics, recycling and repurposing.”
All age art workshops have been held at the pop-up art space Create@#8 to encourage involvement from the whole town. Gill says the involvement of local organisations has been key to the projects success, “ Somerset
Wildlife Trust, East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet Town Council, and Cranmore Parish Council have all made valuable contributions to this project.”
The festival will also include a Summer Retreat featuring Epiphany Music, a group of classical musicians who perform 'The Space' in an outdoor setting on a nearby rewilded farm. This retreat will offer a peaceful interlude amidst the festival activities, promoting reflection and connection with God’s world.
It’s hoped the legacies of the Bugs and Grubs Trail will be long lasting. Some sculptures will remain as permanent fixtures, while others will decompose, providing organic matter for insects. It’s also hoped the trail will serve as a template for other communities encouraging sustainable practices and fostering a greater appreciation for creation.
The festival takes place between 27 July -10 August, 2024.
For more information about the festival, contact Rev. Gill Sakakini at revgill.sheptonmallet@gmail.com or visit Gill's website. If you would like more information about taking care of creation where you are why not visit our Environment section of the Bath and Wells website where you will find lots of ideas and resources to support you.