GOGREEN Seeing life through eyes of an animal

A VIRTUAL reality installation heading to a Cardiff park is hoping to bring smiles to the faces of the capital’s youngsters – while spreading a key environmental message too.

In the Eyes of the Animal is a free interactive experience where people put on virtual reality headsets to explore a digital world of woodland creatures. And the event, taking place this summer in Bute Park, aims to inspire children and families to look after local wildlife and get closer to nature.

They will be transported on a multisensory journey, creeping through the forest and flying high in the trees – all through the eyes of an owl, a dragonfly and a frog native to the city centre park.

Organised by RSPB Cymru and events company Migrations, in partnership with Cardiff Council, the installation takes place between July 15 to August 4.

Carolyn Robertson, project manager for the Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project, said: “Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff is bringing thousands of young people in Cardiff closer to nature and we’re so excited to be part of In the Eyes of the Animal – a chance for people to experience nature from a totally new perspective and be immersed into woodland wildlife.”

This is the first time In the Eyes of the Animal has come to Wales. Last year more than 10,000 visitors crawled through a giant spider’s web art installation in the park that was made entirely of sticky tape.

Karine Decorne, artistic director of Migrations, the arts company behind the Tape installation, said: “It has been wonderful to work with RSPB Cymru and the success of Tape last year exceeded our expectations.

“We know that In the Eyes of the Animal will capture the imagination of visitors in an unforgettable way.”

Bob Derbyshire, Cardiff ’s cabinet member for environment, said: “The Welsh capital is blessed with some brilliant parks and green spaces but it’s all too easy to live in a city without giving any real thought to the natural world that surrounds us.

“The Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project is helping to put nature back into childhood and In the Eyes of the Animal will really enhance the sense of wonder that the natural world evokes, engaging families, art and nature lovers with the city’s wonderful wildlife.”

Once the installation draws to close, RSPB Cymru, Migrations and the City of Cardiff Council will work together to off-set the carbon footprint used within Bute Park.