Curating landscapes to encourage care for biodiversity through arts and citizen science

1. This study investigates how combining Citizen Science and Art workshops within curated wildflower meadows can generate repeated, positive experiences with nature, and foster a sense of care for it. The project aimed to increase awareness, encourage responsibility, and develop competencies related to urban nature.

2. We conducted 16 free-entry workshops in four diverse urban parks in Sheffield, UK, engaging 73 community members and local volunteers. Activities included pollinator surveys and art methods such as cyanotype printing, microscope drawing, and weaving, all focused on the newly installed meadows.

3. Participants reported significant positive emotions, describing the sessions as ‘informative, creative, therapeutic, relaxing.’ The activities encouraged the acquisition of new knowledge (e.g., distinguishing between pollinator species) and helped participants appreciate the microscopic scale of urban nature.

4. The workshops incentivised care for nature by fostering community connections and inspired participants to launch their own nature initiatives. However, several barriers to developing a sense of care were identified, including a lack of free time, community resources, and funding.

5. This research shows that positive and intentional interactions with urban nature such as curated landscapes can trigger the care for nature process within individuals and communities when four elements are considered: the environment and the natural typology, provision of knowledge and skills, encouragement of curiosity and wonder, and community engagement. Further research on encouraging action is needed.