CRAFTING STORIES OF HOPE
Through papercraft & interactive storytelling, Wild Wings of Hope celebrates the awe-inspiring migration of barn swallows & swifts between the UK and Africa.
Our Workshops
Wild Wings of Hope is an artist-led project by Ed Harrison, developed in collaboration with storytellers Chief Gift Amu and Cara Silvermsith, drawing on Celtic and African traditions.
Inspired by the ancient folklore of barn swallows, swifts, and the insects that sustain them, our workshops blend papercraft and storytelling to foster creativity, diversity, and a deeper relationship with the natural world.
From public community events to intimate care settings, we invite participants into an unforgettable interactive experience that nurtures hope and builds connections across species, cultures, and borders.
Ed, Chief Gift Amu, and Cara Silversmith are crowdfunding to deliver workshops with schools, palliative care communities, and dementia-friendly groups in and around Edinburgh.
Their mission is to bring stories of hope and connection to the people and places that need them most.
At its heart, the project celebrates the interconnections between culture, nature, and community, offering a shared way to navigate loss while fostering resilience, imagination, and creativity. In a world of uncertainty, there has never been a more urgent time to share an artistic statement like this.
What we do
Vibrant performances & folklore tales that celebrate the biodiversity & cultures of Scotland & Africa.
Creating insects and birds through papercut activities, nurturing creativity with sustainable craft.
Bringing African rhythms into our stories through participatory music & song.
Vibrant, engaging & memorable—we bring a fresh approach to nature-based education.
Partnerships &
Projects
National Museums Scotland launch
Wild Wings of Hope proudly marked its public launch at the National Museum of Scotland, as part of Black History Month and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
African Sounds & Stories
In African culture, music and storytelling are timeless, healing arts. These workshops invite palliative care patients and families to craft barn swallows and shape songs—rituals of expression that offer comfort and connection in life’s hardest times.
3 ways to take action
From planting pollinators to becoming a citizen scientist, we’ve put together a shortlist of ways to take action for insects and birds.
Updates & Events
From the blog
3 Ways to Take Action for Insects & Birds
With the recent launch of Wild Wings of Hope, we’ve put together 3 simple ways for our community to take action — from planting pollinators to becoming a citizen scientist.
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