Crafting for biodiversity

About

Join us for a hands-on workshop in the beautiful Darebin Parklands to celebrate International Biodiversity Day! You’ll create your own custom insect hotel using simple fibre-crafting techniques and natural materials.

The natural materials we'll be working with, have been removed from the local ecosystem as part of land management works across Darebin, thoughtfully turning this “waste” into habitat - a great example of circular design in action.

Together we’ll explore how structures created from these materials can support our our local fauna - like native bees and skinks - and make our urban spaces more wildlife-friendly.

No prior experience needed!

Why craft for biodiversity

Urban development and ‘tidy’ gardens have reduced the amount of shelter available for many animals like native bees and small reptiles. This workshop shows how simple structures can make a real difference.

Your creation will help:

• Provide shelter and nesting spaces for native insects and small reptiles
• Support native pollinators (which support native plants!)
• Strengthen local ecosystems and increase resilience to climate change

What you'll learn

• Simple fibre-crafting techniques such as string making and twining
• How to design and build a custom insect hotel

Who is this workshop for?

• Everyone! You don’t need to be “creative” or know anything about ecology
• Suitable for adults and children aged 10+
• Younger participants will need to partner with a supervising adult

What to bring

• A hat and weather-appropriate clothing (we'll spend most of the time outdoors)
• All materials are provided
• Bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities available on site

Facilitator

The workshop will be led by Sarah Muir-Smith, artist and designer behind Snakebird Designs. Drawing on regenerative design principles, Sarah creates welcoming spaces that foster wellbeing, nature connection and care for the living world.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this workshop will be held. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their ongoing legacy of care for Country.