Roots and Reeds is an intergenerational community arts project based at Abbeyleix Bog, a community-owned raised bog in County Laois, led by Abbeyleix Bog Project in collaboration with artist and educator Annie Holland. Bringing together local primary school pupils, members of Abbeyleix Men’s Shed, and older residents, the project explores connections between people, place, and ecological heritage through environmental education, visual arts, and oral history. Participants will take part in ecology workshops on the bog and creative sessions using drawing, painting, photography, sound, and video to capture their experiences, while children will engage older community members in oral history conversations about the bog’s transformation from a working landscape to a protected habitat. 

The resulting artworks and recordings will be shared through a series of postcards and a digital oral history archive housed by Laois Library, ensuring long-term public access. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, particularly for those less likely to engage in arts or environmental initiatives, the project aims to strengthen intergenerational connection, celebrate local cultural and ecological heritage, amplify underrepresented voices, and empower young people as future custodians of the environment. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.