Dive into the hidden world of ponds and bring your discoveries to life through zine-making. In this unique workshop, we’ll explore the rich biodiversity of still waters, sharing reflections, memories, and perceptions before creating our own zines or small art journals. Using collage, printing, and painting, you'll turn scientific observation into creative expression. Guided by hosts Rianna Badesha and Kiran Lee.
What to Expect
Expect an afternoon of curiosity, creativity, and conversation! We’ll start with an interactive exploration of pond life, uncovering the incredible creatures that call these waters home. Through open dialogue, we’ll reflect on our personal and cultural connections to ponds, then transform those thoughts into art by crafting our own zines.
What You'll Learn
The diverse aquatic life found in ponds and why these ecosystems matter
How to observe and document nature through creative storytelling
A range of creative techniques to create your own zine
The intersection of ecology, memory, and artistic expression
What's Included
All materials for zine-making, including paper, art and collage supplies
Expert guidance from artist and ecologist hosts
A hands-on pond-dipping session to explore aquatic life
A welcoming, inspiring space to learn, create, and connect
Price includes entrance to explore our gardens and exhibition ‘Into the Seeds of Time’ with artist Vivienne Schandinsky
Who Can Take Part?
This workshop is open to young people and adults of all artistic and scientific backgrounds—no prior experience needed! Whether you're a budding naturalist, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the world beneath the water’s surface, you’re welcome to join.
About the Hosts
Rianna Badesha
Rianna is a passionate nature conservationist and educator, dedicated to helping people connect with wildlife. As a Visitor Engagement Ranger for London Wildlife Trust and a freelance Creative Facilitator for Froglife, she works with diverse communities to foster appreciation for the natural world. An all-around naturalist with expertise in fungi, plants, and aquatic life, Rianna loves combining science and creativity to inspire others.
Kiran Lee
Kiran is an ecologist at OmVed Gardens and a devoted naturalist with experience at the Natural History Museum, London Zoo, and London Wildlife Trust. Currently pursuing a PhD with the Seychelles Warbler Project, he uses genomics to study the evolution of these once nearly extinct island birds. Inspired by his botanist grandmother and gardener mother, Kiran is passionate about increasing diversity and accessibility in science and nature spaces.
This workshop will have a maximum of 16 participants
About OmVed Gardens:
OmVed Gardens is a garden, exhibition, events, and learning space in North London dedicated to exploring the connections between food, ecology and creativity for health and climate resilience. We are on a mission to inspire ecological awareness and action, and deepen our understanding of interconnectedness with the natural world.
As a registered Community Interest Company, all our activities prioritise social and ecological objectives. Whether collaborating with chefs, creatives, gardeners, or schools, OmVed Gardens is a hub for education, connection, and action. We aim to inspire individuals and communities to reimagine their role in building a healthier, more resilient world.
We work to increase biodiversity - of species, seeds, food systems, and participation, through regenerative gardening, seed saving, habitat creation, and ecological education. Our space serves as a living example of how urban areas can be transformed into thriving ecosystems that support both human and non-human communities.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter for tips from the garden and kitchen and hear about our upcoming activities:
https://omvedgardens.com/newsletter
Subsidised Tickets: We encourage young people to take part in the group. Participants aged 16-25 can receive a 50% discount on the sessions. To apply, please email events@omvedgardens.com with the event name and a copy of your ID. Discounts are subject to availability.
Refund Policy: Tickets are non-refundable, except in cases where a waiting list exists for the session. If the event is sold out, a refund may be considered if requested up to 10 days prior to the session date. Please write to us for any refund inquiries.
