THE WONDERS of nature have inspired a community art installation.

Collaborative artwork was among the activities offered at a Pollinators Day event at the Cambrian Heritage Railways community orchard and the Old Oswestry Hillfort.

Conservation groups Oswestry Heritage Gateway and Cambrian Railway Orchard Project (CROP), are collaborating on the programme of fun, educational activities, which has attracted funding from the Three Parishes Big Local.

Pollinators Day started on the hillfort with pollinator hunting, counting and identification led by wildlife experts, with a chance to take part in the nationwide Big Butterfly Count survey.

The orchards offered a chance to examine insects and flowers close-up using magnifying glasses, and to capture what they see in picture tiles. These will be framed individually and later assembled into a large and colourful tableau to go on public display.

Sian Mumby and Diana Baur have developed the project, ‘Look Closer’, to highlight how the micro-detail of pollinators plays a big role in producing food for the planet.

Richard Lewis of CROP gave an insight into the evolution of the bee at the orchard’s adjoining woodland, where he has established an apiary.