Virtual Ecologies is an intergenerational learning project which aims to unlock local ecological knowledge, through free critical and creative response workshops, hands-on outdoor gatherings, skills development opportunities and unique experiences with artist-educators and natural scientists, for people of all ages across East Yorkshire.

All of our events and activities are free of charge, with all materials, resources and hospitality included. Events will include family workshops, field trips and guided walks, school enrichment days, communal wild space festivals, photography and journalling mentorships and more. Through these experiences, we aim to reduce rural and coastal isolation and remove barriers to access for engaging in creative exchanges. We want to make sure that those who might otherwise be experiencing difficulties attending physical events due to mobility issues or vulnerabilities are able to join us - please reach out to us here if you would like to make use of our free accessible transport provision.

Together, young people, families and adults will explore the effects of Shifting Baseline Syndrome - the way in which, over time we come to unknowingly accept ecological degradations as the healthy default for a functioning environment, on our individual perceptions, and the vital role our often unspoken individual memories play in shaping our feelings on the changing landscapes around us.

Using Shifting Baseline Syndrome, we will investigate the intersections between farming and rural livelihoods, biodiversity and conservation, and the coastal pressures affecting both of these. Dig a bit deeper here to find out more about our underpinning research topics.