Creative communication: Prosiect Torgoch

In a world where conservation often competes for attention, it is through finding a new way to communicate that we manage to touch hearts and minds and inspire people to care deeply about the environment around them. Through art and storytelling, we can connect people to the beauty and vulnerability of nature and hopefully spark a passion to protect it.

These creative approaches can be especially powerful in reaching those who might not see themselves as "typical" environmentalists, breaking down the stereotypes of conservationists as scientists in lab coats or activists on the front lines. Through a compelling story or a shared piece of artwork, anyone can come to feel a personal connection to the landscapes and wildlife that surround us.

Animation workshop

In our ongoing initiative, Prosiect Torgoch, we have been working with local schools to deliver creative workshops, empowering students to become champions for the Torgoch. With the aim to inspire the next generation to take responsibility for preserving this unique species and to understand the impact our actions can have.

Sean Harris explaining the importance of storytelling to Yr 5 & 6 pupils at Ysgol Dolbadarn

Our series of workshops began with an animation session led by artist Sean Harris, where pupils explored the art of stop-motion animation. The session encouraged focus, patience, imagination and teamwork as students meticulously brought the movement of the fish to life. Each frame was a step towards learning the importance of detail and collaboration in conveying a story.

Another workshop took a historical perspective, with students creating collaborative art that depicted the journey of the Torgoch through the ages. From the early Holocene period, when Torgoch shared the waters with lynx and giant eagles, to its more recent history, these art pieces explored the connections between Torgoch and the local slate industry. In the past, miners relied on fishing for Torgoch to supplement their diets, showcasing the deep interdependence between humans and nature.

The final pieces reflected the Torgoch today, capturing both its past and the urgent need for protection in our changing world. By connecting the past with the present, students gained a profound understanding of how human actions have shaped, and continue to shape, the environment.

Prosiect Torgoch is made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund.