Organised by The Art and Energy Collective and youth-led RE-PEAT, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Peat-Fest South-West celebration event saw young people from across the region travel to Plymouth in South West England to join in with peat themed exhibitions, stories, songs, music and dancing.

Alana Boughton-Reynolds’ Story

We first met Alana at Crowdy Lake, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall where she was volunteering at our Peat-Fest South-West event for the South West Peatland Partnership.  Here she shares her experience of the Peat-Fest South-West celebration event at Market Hall in Plymouth and the wider project.

“I often find that people don’t form a connection with peatlands because they have not had a memorable hands-on experience. As I remember the bogs I’ve actually stepped into where I’ve sunk a boot (deliberate or not) not the ones I’ve just merely walked past. When people avoid bogs or overlook them, they miss the chance to engage with them directly, and that lack of physical contact has led to a lack of connection.

This project has created personal connections to peatlands by bridging the gap between people and this ecosystem. Through creative expression of moss, both real and pompom, these bogs were brought to life. And deeper understanding of the importance of the soils beneath their feet was fostered.

On the day they used microscopes and hand lenses to allow people to view the sphagnum mosses up close. This gave people an insight into the fascinating world held within mosses and I believe helped some gain a new perspective on the life found in peatlands.

The understanding of the layers of years of life involved in peats formation and the importance of everyone contributing to their protection could not be better expressed to such a diverse demographic than through this hands-on art piece. The Mossy Carpet perfectly displayed the inspiring impact every small action adding up.

This day inspired and educated people on the importance of peatland, this will hopefully lead more people actively engaging with conservation projects and advocating for policy change.”

Alana Boughton-Reynolds is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science at The University of Plymouth.

Ezra’s Story

We first met Ezra at a Peat-Fest South-West youth workshop on the Somerset levels at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, part of the Avalon Marshes.  Here he shares his experience of the Peat-Fest South-West celebration event at Market Hall in Plymouth.

”I had a great time at Peat-Fest South West. Walking into the event, not quite knowing what to expect, I was awed by just how much there was going on, from epicly innovative solar artworks to peat, in the flesh (flesh? Peat-flesh?) - not to mention the wonderfully vibrant mossy carpet which draped itself all over the industrial space. It looked fantastic.

There were all kinds of different activities to engage in, both educational and creative, as well as excellent peat-themed live performances, which brought so much energy to the already cheerful and welcoming environment. The lil tardigrades that popped up all over the place were adorable, and I even learned the art of pompom making.

And of course, there was the dome, which was totally awesome - like walking into a different world. Lying down on a bean-bag, staring up at the 360° projection of various scenes from nature, I felt insanely relaxed. It was the need to observe more that just about prevented me from falling asleep in there. Just.

Everyone at the event was so friendly, and I’m genuinely so grateful for the opportunity to have attended, despite the terror of the group photo. Plus there was free pizza, so it couldn’t have gotten much better.

It seems that peatlands have a newfound place in my heart!”