RYEDALE Folk Museum is involved in an ambitious conservation project to help save endangered plants. The National Lottery-funded Back from the Brink project aims to save 20 species from extinction and benefit over 200 more through 19 projects that span England from the tip of Cornwall to Northumberland.

It is the first-time ever that so many conservation organisations have come together across England with one focus in mind – to bring back from the brink of extinction some of England’s most threatened species of animal, plant and fungi.

Ryedale Folk Museum is hosting two days of family-friendly art events as part of this ambitious scheme.

Artists Sian Hughes and Sarah Jane Richards are also playing their part to make this possible.

Sarah Jane said: “Our aim is to use art to help people discover what species are endangered, how to value them and how to act to prevent their extinction.

“Working with Plantlife we want to excite and engage the public with this incredible project.”

Sian added: “Involving artists and the public in creative activities that educate and value the environment, is so imaginative. We are really excited to work with experts at Plantlife to inspire people to create beautiful artwork that helps raise awareness of some critically endangered species.”

On Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28, at Ryedale Folk Museum, the artists will guide and support visiting families to create their own pieces of art, inspired by the arable landscape and wildflowers found around the museum, many of which are being focused on through the national Back from the Brink project.

Participants will be able to get creative with drawings and wire sculptures alongside delicate porcelain flowers.

Ryedale Folk Museum has been involved in supporting the survival of arable species for more than 20 years.

In 1997, the museum joined a partnership working with conservation organisations and local people to protect and multiply the wild plants of arable fields in North East Yorkshire. To date, the project has saved several species from extinction in the area and improved the fortunes of many more.

Ryedale Folk Museum has now managed and maintained a traditional cornfield for more than two decades. The field supports many arable plant species and raises public awareness of these declining habitats.

Jennifer Smith, the museum’s director, said: “We are delighted to be involved with Colour in the Margins and to be hosting these wonderful artists at our site.

“I can’t wait to see what our visitors make and create. Using art is a really interesting and accessible way of helping people to understand the value of our natural heritage.”

The workshops in August are offered on a drop-in basis and are included with the standard admission price to Ryedale Folk Museum.

For more information, go to ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk