Magnificent Maerl: Family Workshop - The Barn

Get to know and be creatively inspired by maerl,an extraordinary tiny pink, coral like seaweed that forms vital habitats for hundreds of marine organisms.

In this family workshop,children and their adults will create a maerl habitat by bringing them to life with paints and pastels. Examine closely washed-up maerl fragments and observe their unique shapes. In addition, participants will create cardboard fold-up marine creatures such as a crab scallop, flame shell, sea-cucumbers and fish that live within the spaces between the maerl.

*Recommended for children above 6yrs+ and children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
*If you have any thin cardboard (ex: cereal boxes) please bring these along.

Julia Barton is a visual artist based in the North-West Highlands, making sculptures, installation artworks and events that connect audiences to our environment. She is inspired by coastal ecology, passionate about seaweed and working sustainably as possible. She is standing beside a tiny coral-like seaweed ‘maerl’ in “The ARK – We Stand Beside” exhibition at the Barn from 26 March – 19 April 2026.