Salmon Homecoming
As part of the regeneration of Dumbreck Marsh in Kilsyth, we have created a series of metal panel artworks that capture the rich ecological story of the Garrell Burn.
Developed through a series of creative community workshops, the designs celebrate the return of the salmon to the river, the vibrant flora and fauna of the marsh, thanks to its rewilded landscape and the successful restoration of the Garrell Burn.
More than just decorative pieces, the panels serve as an engaging educational tool, telling the story of a once-threatened habitat now thriving.
Commissioned by North Lanarkshire Council, this public artwork invites visitors to discover the beauty, resilience, and interconnected life of the area.
We connected with St. Patrick’s and Kilsyth Primary Schools, Kilsyth Academy, and the Kilsyth Scouts and Girl Guides. In collaboration with Maureen and Helen from the Dumbreck and Garrell Project team, we led local youth on immersive walks along the Garrell Burn. During these walks, participants explored the natural landscape, collected reeds and leaves, and learned about the river’s diverse and rich ecosystem.
One of the first activities we undertook was ecological monitoring through “kick sampling.” This method allowed us to observe the healthy state of the river ecosystem, a key factor for the return of salmon in these waters. Although we did not see the fish directly, the presence of small aquatic organisms, essential to their diet, is proof of their comeback. We also collected and identified various plant species, deepening our understanding of the local biodiversity. These plants were then used in our cyanotype printing sessions to create beautiful nature-inspired artworks. At the same time, we created observational drawings and collages inspired by the surrounding flora and fauna, reflecting our overall experience along the Garrell Burn.
Once the series of workshops was complete, we brought all of the experiences and inspiration back to our studio. Our team created a series of black-and-white drawings capturing the key elements of everything we had learned. These drawings were then transformed into a composition of eight panels, telling the story of the homecoming salmon through an intricate artwork—designed to reveal new details with each viewing. The result is both a standalone piece of art and an educational tool. The young people involved will be able to share how they contributed to this inspiring project and see their journey reflected in the final piece.
