Habitat Care & Learning

Our projects seek to care for and enhance the wildlife at the claypits, as well as foster nature appreciation and learning.

There is a lot to be done to care for the Claypits but we are confident that we can do this with the help of the many people who enjoy the site.

We are proud to have the Claypits on our doorstep and look forward to helping make it a place where nature and people thrive well into the future.

Watch this space for our plans as they develop and please contact us if you want to help.

PROJECTS

Caring for the Claypits is at the heart of what we do. Our projects involve surveying and monitoring the wildlife in the Claypits, tree planting, plant removal where necessary, and organising nature walks. All these activities rely on volunteers and seek to involve and benefit the local community.

DIALECTOGRAM

We have worked with Glasgow Sculpture Studios (GSS) at The Whisky Bond to commission Mitch Miller to create a ‘Dialectogram’ of the Claypits.

A Dialectogram is participatory artwork that blends comics, maps and ethnography. There is a Dialectogram of Lambhill stables on display outside the café there.

We worked with Mitch in 2019 on a project that forms the foundations for his return to complete the Dialectogram. The industrial heritage of the canal is well known but the social history is less well documented. Mitch will collect stories from those who have lived around and used the Claypits over the years, and use those stories to inform his finished Dialectogram.

As part of this project, we are employing 3 people who are interested in social history and art and who are connected to the area, to work with Mitch. They will receive training from Mitch and have the opportunity to complete qualifications through Kelvin College at the same time. We will also be employing a project manager to oversee the whole project.

DIGITAL YOUTH ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

We have received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant to contract a graduate artist to work with us as a Youth Digital Artist in Residence.

Employing a ‘Digital Youth Aritst in Residence’ will enable us to run and curate activities particularly focused on youth and digital engagement, and help us enhance our website and social media presence.

Recruiting for the position will be done through putting out a call to various institutions, such as the Glasgow School of Art. They will then lead in delivering art-centred primarily digital events focused on enhancing interest and engagement with the Claypits. These could include, a wildlife photo exhibition and film screenings and discussions. While youth focused, these events will produce outcomes to be enjoyed by our wider communities.

The grant has also enabled us to purchase a range of digital equipment which will be used in this project and on others.

DURATION: Now until 31st October 2021 / BUDGET: £6,600 / CONTACT: [email protected]

THE GARDEN SHED PROJECT

We have won a grant voted on by the Community from Queens Cross Housing to purchase a storage container and equipment.

This will enable us to carry out volunteer-focused activities such as planting, habitat improvements, litter picking, and basic general maintenance of the Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve (LNR).