Canaries on the frontline: the craftivists making a point ahead of COP26

More than 70 ‘flocks’ of UK crafters have been gathering around the UK – from Eastbourne to Iona – in recent months in a bid to encourage politicians to act faster and bolder on the climate. 

Stitchers ranging from Women’s Institute stalwarts to new mums have been making hundreds of small, crafted yellow canaries to send to MPs ahead of the COP26 climate summit. The organization of the project was the Craftivist Collective.

“These beautiful, small and sensitive birds fly to where there is clean air,” says Sarah Corbett, Craftivist Collective founder.

“Their colour encourages hope, and they used to help [down the mines]As early warning systems to detect toxic gases, they save many lives. In the same way, we hope our sensitive and kind craftivists can encourage the UK government to move in the direction of creating a cleaner and greener world.”

Main image: Liz Seabrook