New butterfly trail helps families connect with nature
By: Communications
Families are being encouraged to explore a new butterfly-themed trail at the University of East Anglia and Earlham Park this autumn, as part of a community project helping Norfolk residents support biodiversity.
Supported by the Get InVOLved Innovation Fund and administered by Community Action Norfolk, the project, Grow Happy, has brought together children, families, volunteers, artists and community groups to create butterfly-friendly gardens, plant wildflowers and celebrate local wildlife.
A highlight of the project is a colourful outdoor art installation featuring 90 butterfly sculptures inspired by species found in Norfolk, including the Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue and Comma.
The butterflies were decorated by children aged three to 13 from across the county and installed at Cow Drive on the UEA campus following this summer's Big Butterfly Count.
The project also includes a new illustrated trail map of the UEA campus and Earlham Park, created by local artist Rosanne Chaplin.
The map guides visitors to locations that support butterflies and other wildlife, including wildflower meadows and community-planted “Happiness Gardens”.
Each location links to a butterfly-inspired poem through an interactive online experience.
Poems have been shared by Norwich based writers alongside poems by celebrated poets such as William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, Rumi, Zhuang Zhou, and Emily Dickinson.
Children and volunteers across Norfolk have planted flowers and grown seedlings to support pollinators, including lavender, forget-me-nots and thyme, alongside native wildflower species provided by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
The Sheriff of Norwich, Dave Shraga, visited UEA in October to celebrate the installation of the first Happiness Garden sign and meet children involved in the project.
He praised the efforts of young people, families and volunteers helping to create greener spaces for wildlife.
Grow Happy was developed by writer and socially engaged artist Ruthie Collins through Natural Wonder, in collaboration with UEA, Extraordinary Communities CIC and local partners.
Ruthie said: “Grow Happy was inspired after three years of planting flowers with children through Natural Wonder.
“By combining creativity, literature and practical conservation, we're helping young people connect with nature while supporting butterflies and biodiversity.
“Residents have donated plants, shared poems and grown seedlings at home and in community settings. The children and volunteers have done brilliantly, coming together to make a positive difference.”
Nadia El-Fakhri, Biodiversity and Community Coordinator at UEA, said: “We're delighted to be supporting Grow Happy at UEA. It's a fantastic project that celebrates the connection between people, creativity and nature while encouraging families to explore our beautiful campus.
“By inspiring people to plant for pollinators and take part in citizen science, we're showing that everyone can play a role in supporting biodiversity.”
Grow Happy is part of Natural Wonder, an award-winning programme that helps children and families engage with nature through arts, literature and conservation activities.
For more information, visit www.wondernatural.co.uk.
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