THE remarkable journeys undertaken by both human and avian migrants have been the focus of an innovative youth art project this winter.

Pupils from several South Lakeland schools have been taking part in the Migration Project - a collaboration between artists, wildlife professionals and local multicultural community groups.

The project is designed to raise awareness of the complex nature of migration and the difficulties faced by people and birds as they adapt to new surroundings.

Co-ordinated by Brewery Arts Centre youth arts scheme visual arts officer George Grange, there were several artistic strands to the project.

Pupils from Kendal’s Sandgate School spent the day in one of the bird hides at RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve to view the populations of migrating birds first hand and learn about their habitats and calls before returning to the classroom where they used a range of different materials to learn about the nature of flight.

Year 6 students from Staveley School explored themes of identity and clothing by working with textile artist Kate Reid on a piece of art inspired by the controversial Banksy migration mural in Clacton

Year 10 GCSE students from Kirkbie Kendal school were joined by artist and sculptor Paul Mason who used his extensive collection of sketch books of migratory birds flying over Morecambe Bay to create a variety of stunning 3D wire sculptures of wing structures.

Award-winning artist Catherine MacDiarmid worked with Kirkbie Kendal sixth formers to develop a body of mixed-media and painted work exploring themes of human migration

Kirkbie Kendal art teacher Jane Brooks said: “Working in partnership with the Brewery has given our students a fantastic opportunity to explore new techniques, materials and ideas. It has allowed them time and experience for them to really explore their artistic potential.

The project continues on May 14 with an open community art day run by ceramic workshop run by artist Anna Lambert.

A selection of the work created on the project will also be on display in a special exhibition at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, from April 15 to May 3.