This project explores what kind of birds live along our branch lines, how they have adapted, what dangers they face and how we can help preserve their habitat and encourage new species to settle there.
A Poetree and the Word Birds
Our creative literacy/nature preservation workshops take place either indoors, outdoors or on site visits and are based around the notion of Word Birds and a Poetree.
Our very own sing-a-long picture book ‘The Magic Train Ride’ is used for added inspiration.
Those taking part create songs, stories and poems that can be showcased at final celebration events in our interactive copper Poetree.
The Word Birds and The Poetree
Cabinet of Curiosities
We also have an ever growing cabinet of curiosities, which our participants add to by creating objets d’art, ceramics and hand-made books. Celebratory events take place on board the trains and at stations along the lines.
Nurturing the planet, nurturing people
We work with all groups in the community – of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and are proud of the effect the project has on the planet and on our participants.
“This made me feel so calm–
took me away from all that I have been through.
I felt so happy-thank you” Refugee
As a result of this project, we have been invited to be part of the European Literary Train initiative and to work with our European Partners to explore the theme of journeys – those we take across the land and those we take within ourselves. Thank to Celine Plantain and the Section Internationale Britannique du collège St Exupéry in Hautmont, France for making this happen!
We are also excited that our very own literary train here in Cornwall will be launched on October 3rd, 4th 5th on the Looe Valley Line as part of the Looe Festival of Words. It will coincide with National Poetry Day (3rd October 2024) and will feature a traveling library of handmade books, showcasing work created by the community.
We will also be celebrating our own Word Bird book and Bird Zine, inspired by Birds on the Branchline and illustrated by the fabulous Anna Dupont-Crabtree.
If you love books and love travel, get in touch to see how you can be part of our journey..
