Creating felt saltmarsh

Our task this weekend was to illustrate saltmarsh that we can use to show this on the map. Lily Scott got the session started with an overview of the mapping process and detail on exactly where the saltmarsh is. She discussed what she had learned whilst working with Prof. Bill Austin, Dr Alex Houston and the interns from St Andrews University. While Barra and Vatersay does not have a lot of saltmarsh what it has is important as a habitat, a carbon store and a coastal buffer.

Sarah MacLean led a community felting session following Lily's presentation where we made felt patches that will be cut and sewn onto the map.

Felting is fun and accessible. The colours of the wool are beautiful and you can build up layers that capture some of the variaty of colours in the saltmarsh.

We also did some dry felting where you use a pin and can be much more detailed.