Drop-in events are fantastic for weighing up perils of plastic

A spellbinding photography exhibition has inspired a series of events for all ages focused on a growing environmental crisis.  

Our Plastic Ocean – at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries until 11 June – showcases powerful images of debris collected by the photographer from shorelines across the world.  

Drop-in sessions linked to the show by award-winning artist Mandy Barker will seek to raise awareness of the threat posed by plastic marine pollution. 

Cultural charity OnFife, which is hosting the free exhibition, is working with local artists and environmental groups to deliver the events programme. 

Local organisations taking part are Climate Action Fife, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Restoration Forth and Dunfermline Heritage Through Wellbeing.  

Younger visitors can enjoy an Activity Space that offers lots of ocean-themed things to see and do – including storybooks, crafts and steps people can take to tackle plastic pollution. 

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust will host family-friendly drop-in sessions on 3 and 11 April. Trust members will outline how they look after Fife’s wonderful beaches and Coastal Path. 

Marine biologist Sean Flinn will lead an interactive workshop on 6 May that gives young people, aged 12-18, a chance to share their views on climate change and sea pollution. The event includes a tour of Our Plastic Ocean. 

Sandy Mitchell from Restoration Forth – a collaboration involving local scientists and charities – will give a talk on 17 May. Its focus will be initiatives designed to re-introduce seagrass meadows and native oyster reefs to the Firth of Forth. 

Ingenious artist Hazel Terry will lead a workshop on 18 May that suggests light-hearted clever ways to highlight the effects of beach litter using collage techniques. 

Hazel is back on World Oceans Day – 8 June – for a workshop that makes the most of reclaimed plastic. Participants can make eye-catching jewellery inspired by the natural forms of corals and seaweeds. 

All events are free but places are limited and must be booked in advance – apart from the Coast and Countryside Trust sessions. Drop into Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries to book, or call 01383 602365. 

OnFife will also be hosting a forum that brings together climate groups and cultural organisations. 

The Springboard local assembly is a place to share local knowledge and ideas, and collaborate on a shared journey towards net zero. 

The next Fife assembly will be held in the Canmore Room at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries on 30 March. 

Delivered by Creative Carbon Scotland, it will include a guided tour of Our Plastic Ocean and be followed by two workshops exploring how arts can raise awareness of climate change. 

OnFife Curator Lesley Lettice says: “Our Plastic Ocean is not only brilliant exhibition but also a fantastic catalyst for debate about the role that arts and culture can play in helping to tackle climate change.” 

Our Plastic Ocean is an Impressions Gallery touring exhibition, curated by Angela Sheard: https://bit.ly/3FEDtmS 

For details of the Dunfermline events, go to: https://bit.ly/40GJPKX