Love Stories to Nature – We’d like to invite you to take part in Stretchy Symbionts, a unique new project from SPAN Arts’ Love Stories to Nature programme, exploring our relationship with the remarkable lichen ecosystems of west Wales through ecology, movement and creativity.
Bringing together movement artist Simon Whitehead, ecologist Yusef Samari and dance artist Stirling Steward, these immersive walk-shops offer an opportunity to slow down, observe closely and consider what lichens can teach us about connection, collaboration and coexistence.
West Wales is home to one of the richest lichen habitats in Europe, making this an ideal setting to explore the fascinating world of these often-overlooked organisms. Through guided walks, creative movement and discussion, we’ll reflect on the concept of symbiosis and our place within the wider web of life.
Choose from three sessions:
Saturday 18 July | 10.00am–3.00pm
Woodland Lichen Walk & Workshop
Coetir Ty Canol and Canolfan Llwynihirion, Brynberian
Approx. 2-mile walk on uneven woodland terrain. Suitable for ages 10+.
Sunday 19 July | 10.30am–12.00pm
Fully Accessible Workshop
Canolfan Llwynihirion, Brynberian
An indoor and garden-based session with no walking, open to all abilities.
Sunday 19 July | 1.30pm–4.30pm
Rock Lichen Walk & Workshop
Carnedd Meibion Owen and Canolfan Llwynihirion, Brynberian
Approx. 1-mile walk on uneven terrain. Suitable for ages 10+. Please bring a packed lunch.
Whether you work in ecology, conservation, environmental education, land management or community engagement, we’d love for you to join us. These sessions offer a chance to experience a different way of engaging with nature, one that blends scientific knowledge with embodied practice and creative exploration.
Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues, volunteers and others in your network who may be interested.
We hope you’ll join us to discover the extraordinary world of lichens and explore what it means to be connected with the more-than-human world.
