The Gatherers | Honeyscribe

The Gatherers was a project by Honeyscribe and Libraries Unlimited, aimed at connecting resettled Afghan families with their new community in Braunton.

Participants, including local residents and Afghan families, gathered flowers from their surroundings, which were pressed at the library and transformed into bookmarks.

These bookmarks were placed in library books, offering an unexpected gift to readers.

The project promoted wellbeing, environmental connection, and community integration, and received special recognition from the European Cultural Foundation as part of the Europe Challenge 2024.

The project was designed and led by Amy Shelton, the founder of Honeyscribe, a Devon-based arts charity focusing on the natural world, human health, and environmental wellbeing.

Amy worked closely with the Pickwell Foundation to visit Afghan families in their homes, teaching them how to press flowers and introducing them to the project.

As Amy Shelton explained, “The Gatherers celebrates the importance of the natural world in supporting mental health and wellbeing. By connecting people with the place they live, the project allows Afghan families to deeply engage with the rich cultural heritage of their new home. It also introduces them to libraries as welcoming, democratic spaces, offering an opportunity to feel part of a wider community.”

The project has demonstrated the vital role libraries play in fostering community, wellbeing, and creative engagement. Braunton Library Supervisor, Sarah Bushell, expressed the significance of the initiative:

‘The Gatherers’ has amplified the role of libraries as crucial public spaces for democratic participation and social and environmental wellbeing. It’s also helped us become part of a unique network of European libraries working together to promote the wellbeing of our communities. We see firsthand how important these connections are for people who feel isolated, and we’re proud to be part of this transformative project.”

‘The Gatherers’ was made possible through funding from Arts Council England (ACE), with North Devon being one of ACE’s Priority Places to bring more cultural activities and community engagement to the area.

Libraries Unlimited remains committed to creating and supporting projects that have a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.