The faces behind the festival
Skelmorlie Nature Festival is being organised by a sub-group by Skelmorlie Environment Trust. We are giving our time, skills and energy for free in the hope of bringing benefit to our community.
Derek Hawthorne
The Brains & Gusto
Without the foresight and sheer hard work put in by Derek, none of this would be happening. Derek had a vision for a nature and wellbeing festival that would bring the community together and offer some fun, exciting activities for all. Derek pushed on, started identifying potential activity providers and the grants funding soon came through National Lottery, Nature Scot, and Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire. The SET members were amazed and stepped up to support the dream!
Motivation – Derek says…
When I first thought of the idea, it just stuck in my head. Having settled in Skelmorlie about 15 years ago, I love the village, but I sometimes wish more was happening for the local community to engage with. It’s only in recent years that I’ve really started to connect with nature and wellbeing, and I’ve been surprised by some of the activities that I’ve enjoyed. Hopefully, by running an event like this people will be inspired to try new things, connect more frequently with nature, and get all benefits that can come. I’m thrilled the event is happening. I really hope we can make it a success!
Naomi Spirit-Hawthorne
Support, Tech & Comms
Naomi was a sounding board from the beginning, offering moral support and watching with admiration as Derek rallied all the different activity providers even before funding was in place! With all of her tech skills she was well-placed to build the website, take care of the branding and communications. Particularly proud to make a low-carbon website which is what she is promoting in her day job!
Motivation – Naomi says…
I’m a founding member of Skelmorlie Environment Trust and have a strong drive to protect nature and I believe that starts with us. Improving our mental health gives us more capacity to take on a caring role in our environment. Understanding the intricate balance between humans and nature provides the drive to support and improve the natural world. I hope people feel a stronger connection to nature after this festival, a greater understanding of how it relates to them and motivation to look after it! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the environmental issues we face – so many of the events on offer help us deal with overwhelm, or stress. Having personally suffered from Eco Grief, I found that meditation was a wonderful tool for accepting that: enabling me to take a more proactive approach by acting locally. If only one other person finds it useful – it can mean the world to that person and nature!
Rachel McLean
Support & Volunteer Organising
Rachel is a founding member of Skelmorlie Environment trust and along with the committe and other members of the group is working behind the scenes to support Skelmorlie’s first Nature Festival.
Motivation – Rachel says..
I’m excited to see the range of free activities available for everyone in the village and beyond. Especially looking forward to the school take over on Friday where the primary will have a full day of nature based activities to participate in. I hope these events will inspire people to try something new and to think about new ways to get involved with ways to restore our natural world.
Julie Armenaud
Support, Organising & Scheduling
Julie, from Fairlie, is by very nature a helpful person and was inspired when she heard about Derek’s quest to create a Nature Festival for Skelmorlie – immediately offering support. Her natural organisational skills and methodical approach have been especially valuable in helping formalise the schedule. Derek and Skelmorlie Environment Trust are very grateful for her time and support.
Motivation – Julie says…
I enjoy being involved in projects led by and for the community. I am also very conscious about protecting the environment and making the right choices for the planet in my life and work. When I heard about the Skelmorlie Nature Festival, it was only natural to offer my help. I think it’s an amazing opportunity for Skelmorlie to host an event that promotes activities around nature and well-being. I can’t wait to see it happen!
Our Wonderful Volunteers!
Several people from Skelmorlie and beyond have stepped up to offer their support which is gratefully received! It’s not too late to volunteer to help us out on the day. Contact us and we will schedule you at a time convenient to you. We want plenty of volunteers so that everyone also gets a turn at attending some of the fantastic events as well as helping out!
The Activity Providers
Of course, this festival would not be possible without all of the amazing activity providers ready to come along and help us achieve our aims! Special thanks goes to those who are offering their time and resources for free. We really appreciate you!
Skelmorlie Environment Trust
A big shout out to all the members and supporters of Skelmorlie Environment Trust who are rallying around to help us as the festival approaches! We’ve been delighted to see so many of you being supportive and offering help with the jobs that need done.