Green Threads
Learning and Connecting through Drawing
An exercise in moving slowly, taking notice, and learning about trees, edible plants, moss and lichens through drawing.
Green Threads is a project by Ardour Academy exploring new ways to connect to the natural world and included a Community Gardening Club, an arts and activism project focusing on the river Taff, as well as a series of Walk and Draws which I led.
Through these Walk and Draw Sessions, all held in Roath Pleasure Gardens participants got to learn about a new part of the natural world, slow down, draw. It was amazing to see just how much life there is in a small park when you slow down and pay attention. The pace and content of the sessions were adapted to accommodate BSL interpretation. The walks followed three themes:
Forage Walk and Draw. Focusing on edible plants like three cornered leek, wild garlic, nettle, and plantain. Alongside trying out Tataki zome (leaf bashing) printing
Tree Walk and Draw. Learning to ID native tree species such as beech, sweet chestnut, oak, and elder. Alongside trying out bark rubbing techniques.
Lichen and Moss Walk and Draw. Focusing on the small, often unnoticed things and learning some of the lifestyles (and differences) between moss and lichen.
Collaborators: Ardour Academy, Facilitators Beth and Ciara
Funded By: National Lottery Community Fund
My role: Workshop planning and facilitation
Outputs: Three Walk and Draw sessions
When: Spring and Summer 2026
“I’m so relaxed! ”
— Tree Walk and Draw participant
“There aren’t many spaces to learn about Lichen so it’s exiting this one is here”
- Lichen and <oss Walk and DrawParticipant
“I’d love to do more of these! When is the next one?”
— Walk and Draw Participant