DAiSY launches Sculptural Habitats Programme in collaboration with Surrey Hills Arts

DAiSY (Disability Arts in Surrey) has launched a new Sculptural Habitats Training Programme, developed in partnership with Surrey Hills Arts, as part of its wider Tending Our Ecosystem project. The project looks at the ecosystems within Surrey, through its landscapes and communities.

Running from February to May 2026, a part of the project will host a five-session Sculptural Habitats training programme. This training brings together DAiSY-Chain Artists, the network’s community of disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent artists, to explore the intersection of ecological and disability justice through hands-on making. Sessions take place across Surrey’s natural heritage sites, including Nower Wood Nature Reserve, Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Newlands Corner, and West Horsley Place.

First up was Bat Box making at Nower wood. DAiSY’s Creative and Managing Director Cara Flowers went along to meet participants and join in the project – “The day went so well! The sun was shining, everyone seemed to be so engaged and enjoyed learning about bat habitats… did you know bats give birth upside down?! We explored different tools and wood decoration techniques such as engraving and pyrography. Ideas were flowing and artists were already considering how their bat boxes could be developed into larger sculptural works of art.”

Going forward, participants will work with ceramic artist Bahareh Khomeiry, sculptor Will Nash, and assemblage artist Sam Williams, creating habitat artworks that support Surrey’s wildlife, including bat boxes, bird houses, and willow structures that will be installed across the county.

The programme forms part of DAiSY’s broader ambition to deepen disabled artists’ connection to the natural world and to explore the power of community-led networks in building a more inclusive cultural sector.  This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Surrey Heritage for All funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Please visit daisy-arts.org for more information.