Exciting multi-media science and nature showcase arrives at Peterborough's Railworld

Between 10:20am and 4pm, visitors will find a stunning display of works celebrating the Fens created by teenagers from City College Peterborough, home-educated teens, pupils from Wisbech Grammar School, and residents from two Fenland care homes.

With the exception of Wisbech Grammar School, the works were created in sessions facilitated by community artist Syrah Arnold, who has developed this project for the Wildlife Trust BCN.

As part of Science into Stories, Syrah invited secondary schools to work with care home residents, resulting in pupils from Wisbech Grammar School creating a series of poems and visual art from one of the art students. Two of the young poets have won awards from the poems created, including 15-year-old Nathanael Wilson who won the prestigious title of Young Fenland Poet Laureate 2026.

During 2025 Syrah worked throughout the spring and summer at two Fenland care homes, exploring with residents’ memories of growing up, working and living in the Fens. Participants, many with dementia, wrote, drew, and tried their hand at printmaking. Their work has been turned into artworks including backgrounds for poetry, fine-art prints, and quirky street signage which visitors will find dotted around Railworld Wildlife Haven for the showcase.

In 2026 Syrah has worked at Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve and Railworld Wildlife Haven with young people and emerging adults, some with additional needs. Young people shared their experiences of growing up in the Fens and aspirations for the future protection of this valuable environment. Mathematics in nature, the science behind insect markings, the importance of plants and established woodlands, the history of traditional crafts, and the future re-wetting of the Fens for people and wildlife were among the subjects explored.

The young participants drew with sticks and inks made from oak galls, hawthorn, and walnut, and painted using features and reeds. Home-educated participants created monotype prints, tried their hand at weaving, and engaged in a spot of hammock painting! Meanwhile students from City College Peterborough turned their drawings and collages into large screens, a sculpture standing over five-feet tall, and beautiful clothing designs.

One participant commented “I loved the way the creative process encouraged me to observe the finer details of the natural world. I definitely look more closely at things now.” The parent of another participant stated “It has been fantastic to see our child deeply connect with nature and express himself through this project.”

Syrah said: “I truly hope that people will visit Railworld Wildlife Haven in Peterborough for this showcase on Sunday. As well as seeing a truly fabulous exhibition, both visual and literary, by local people of all ages, the venue too is a wonderful treasure in the heart of Peterborough. And, of course, as well as celebrating our natural world the venue also has model railways and things for those of all ages who love a good train!”

Railworld Wildlife Haven volunteer manager Becki White stated “It’s been great having this part of this project take place at Railworld, and brilliant that we, as a charity, have been able to join forces with another charity, the Wildlife Trust, to enable this valuable community project, which has connected its participants with nature in a truly meaningful and engaging way”.