Nature, environment and the Arts
Join us to explore some of the many connections between the Arts, nature and the environment, through our short online and in-person courses.
Our wide-ranging Culture and Humanities programme spans from the Ice Age to today, and across different cultures.
You can explore ‘Art and Environment in Ice Age Europe’, learn about animals in Renaissance Art, or think about environment and politics in indigenous art today. You can consider how Romantic poetry finds new resonance through ‘ecocritical’ readings, or study genre-busting literary non-fiction about the connections between walking and writing in urban, rural and desert landscapes.
You can also complement your studies with courses from our Science and Nature programme, including courses on botany, trees, geology, the Amazon, and the science of climate change.
Explore our exciting programme below!
- Astronomy: a gentle introduction
Course start date: Sun 12 May 2024Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roger O'BrienA leisurely walk through back garden astronomy. Learn how to find your way around the constellations, whether to buy a telescope, how to find planets and look safely at the sun. Find out why astronomy is good for you. - Representing nature in early modern Europe Course start date: Fri 7 Jun 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas BalfeExplore the links between the visual image and ideas of nature in early modernity (c.1500-1750). At this time, tools like the microscope were visualising nature in new ways, changes were afoot in how humans related to animals, and the environments of Asia and the Americas were becoming more familiar to Europeans. We will focus on how artists and skilled artisans engaged with these subjects.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00 - Spring wildlife walks
Course start date: Fri 19 Apr 2024Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Brenna BoyleBirdsong, wildflowers, butterflies and bees are among the highlights of spring. It’s the season of peak activity in the natural world. Discover more on this engaging but gentle walking course.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Bird identification by sight and songCourse start date: Sat 27 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Verity MilesSometimes we hear birds before we see them. Find out more about identifying birds by sound as well as sight. Refresh your knowledge of the natural history of birds and what to look for to distinguish different species by sight, song and behaviour.
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