Groups join forces to sound the alarm over habitat loss
CLIMATE change and the rapid loss of wetlands worldwide pose a real threat to the future of both native species and human habitats.
That is the warning message from a group of organisations who have come together to sound the alarm over habitat loss.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) has joined forces with North Wales arts organisations Migrations and Soundlands to turn up the volume and highlight the risks posed by the reduction of wetland areas and the subsequent potential consequences for humans and wildlife.
Working with internationally acclaimed Netherlands artist Bouke Groen, an art installation – The Bell – will be placed at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre throughout the summer. Encased in glass, a muffled church bell will toll for visitors and encourage them to think differently about environmental concerns. Dr Brian Briggs, WWT Llanelli’s reserve manager, said: “Wetland areas are being squeezed and squeezed. If you rewind 1,000 years, then areas like ours would have been home to elk, wild cattle and horses. There is a wider story here too.
“Over the past 400 years, there has been a 90% decline in UK wetlands. Wetlands need our protection, and we hope that our summer visitors will hear The Bell and understand that we can’t ignore the warning. The Bell is a dampened alarm, a metaphor for the signals we need to hear about the implications of climate change, environmental issues, and biodiversity loss.”
Artist Bouke, who has showcased his work around the world, designed the concept and will be using local trades to help make the installation.
Soundlands and Migrations are Welsh not-for-profit organisations working to make positive contributions to communities through sound art, bringing international contemporary arts to Wales through innovative collaborations, commissions, and partnerships.
Karine Décorne, artistic director of Migrations, said: “The Bell will chime every seven minutes – in that time 12 birds will have vanished from the British countryside, 1,000 hectares of wetlands will have been lost worldwide, and 7,000,000 plastic bottles will have been purchased. These are messages which we all need to hear.
The Bell will be at the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre from June 8 until August 11 and the site is open to visitors Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm. Volunteer-led walks will be held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at noon with selfguided walks available throughout.