Nature is for Everyone
We currently live in a very uncertain world, with very uncertain futures. Nature is an amazing escape from the chaos of life, and has been proven to have wide health benefits. Also, learning about nature is the first step to protecting it and is an important form of activism against those who strive to disconnect us from each other and the earth.
From experience, birdwatching groups can often be bias towards certain groups such as older, wealthy white folk. The Treecreepers was founded to provide a space where resources and knowledge is shared and everyone is welcome.
Why Treecreepers?
Treecreepers are small birds found in the UK and Europe. They are so named because of their ability to climb vertically up tree trunks whilst looking for bugs to feast on.
Despite their often shy nature and amazing camouflage, they can be seen in busy places where people just pass them by not knowing they are there. They are a good reminder that when you slow down and take the time to appreciate your surroundings you gain so much more from the world. They are a reason and a message to observe, learn and notice new things!
Also as birdwatchers we often creep amongst the trees ourselves!
About Me
Hello! My name is El (they/she) and first and foremost I am an avid birder. Having grown up learning from the birds in my home patch of East Anglia, I then went to university to study Ecology and Environmental Science. Now based in Edinburgh, I identify as a queer, disabled and neurodivergent ecologist, bird-lover, gardener and green witch.
With my experience in community work, nature education and formal ecological training I aim to use my passion to share knowledge, build community and create sustainable futures for people and planet.
The Treecreepers was born out of my struggle to find meaningful and secure work in the conservation sector. I decided to combine my need for a job and the growing importance of nature connection in the form of a community group. The Treecreepers is now highly successful and expanding to offer more.
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Accessibility & Inclusivity
The Treecreepers was set up to be a place of community gathering and shared knowledge. Nature teaches us that diversity is important and to be celebrated, we believe human diversity is just as important and should be celebrated too. We are queer, disabled and neurodiverse led and we are trying to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. Education is so important and we recognise we won't always get it right but aim to constantly learn and improve.
We do not tolerate any hateful or discriminatory behaviour or speech.
We are strongly against racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, sexism, classism, and all other types of bigotry and discrimination. We do not allow any discriminatory behaviour or speech, regardless of who's in attendance, and if anyone violates this they will be immediately asked to leave and will not be allowed to attend any of The Treecreeper's future events.
Accessibility Information
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Financial:
The Treecreepers community group has a sliding scale system for tickets where you are free to pick whichever rate suits you, no questions asked. For future workshops we will also implement a sliding scale where possible or offer limited free spaces. If at any point the cost of The Treecreepers is a limiting factor for you, don't hesitate to contact us and we can work something out.
As The Treecreepers grows we hope to be able to seek funding that will allow us to offer more spaces at a free or discounted price. Until then please select the rate that best matches your circumstances, this ensures we can afford to continue offering a variety of prices.
Physical:
Due to the nature of nature not all walks will be fully accessible for those with physical disabilities or mobility issues. There will be a section in all event details outlining the terrain of the area as well as the proximity of toilets and refreshments. Our walks are always at a slow pace as we are paying close attention to what is around us.
Sensory:
Those with visual or auditory impairments are welcome (birding is always a combination of watching and listening!). Please let us know in advance and we can discuss what would work best for you, including a free ticket for an assistant if needed.
Neurodiversity:
The community group size is limited to 12 people per session (13 total including the organiser). We always wait approximately 10 minutes at the meeting place to allow for people to arrive before setting off. The sessions are very casual and often quite social, however there is a huge variety in the type of people joining. Those who want to be super chatty can be and those who prefer to keep more to themselves are very welcome to. There is never any pressure to speak or join in to conversations and everyone is always accommodating of the varying energy levels people bring. People are welcome to leave at any point and for any reason. Also we don't believe in icebreakers!
Please get in touch with any queries or requests!
