A PLEDGES to the Landscape event drew hundreds of people to Keighley's Cliffe Castle Park.

Families took part in a range of creative activities focussing on learning about the environment and nature.

Visitors made journals, wind chimes and pompoms, and shared stories.

The gathering was staged by arts charity Keighley Creative.

Artist, educator and project lead, Naseem Darbey, says: "It was a family celebration enjoyed by all and we got so much positive feedback, evidencing how much the workshops were loved.

"People left with nature gift bags stuffed full of their own fabulous handmade goods including journals, wind chimes, pompoms and recipes, and even stories to share. Cliffe Castle Park was buzzing, and it was fabulous to see so many smiles."

The event celebrated an ongoing project being run in conjunction with Yorkshire Peat Partnership, and funded through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s community climate grants scheme and Bradford Council.

As part of the initiative, Year 5 pupils at Eastwood, Victoria, Riddlesden St Mary’s, Worth Valley, Holycroft and Merlin Top primary schools were given their own 'micro peat bogs' to look after and took part in interactive art workshops in the classroom.

The workshops were designed and delivered by Naseem.

She added: "The children learned about the importance of the plants and landscapes around them, and how preservation is essential.

"We looked at the past, present and future of these environments and the children documented the peat bogs using drawing materials. They tried different drawing techniques, which helped the pupils really engage with the bog, and they created some beautiful artwork in the process.

"The sessions were designed to engage the children by having fun, being creative and sometimes getting messy! This hands-on approach helped them understand their local environment, and hopefully it has inspired the next generation to contribute to the conservation of our peatlands."

Lucy Lee, from the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, says: "Our unique landscapes and peatlands and their plants are truly beautiful, but they are also critical to the preservation of our natural environment. It’s important that we all learn about how important bogs are, so we are keen to get children involved from as young an age as possible."

Keighley Creative's newly-appointed creative director, Paula Clark, says: "I am so excited by the energy and enthusiasm of the people of Keighley to get involved in this project. I’m looking forward to everything that is to come next!".