N a t u r e R i s i n g
Nature Rising
Nature Rising is a ground-breaking project led by Global Majority communities in Bristol.
In our exhibition, we celebrate the diverse expertise and experiences of our communities. Our knowledge is at the heart of everything we do. We love nature and we want to look after it.
We learned from each other about how to build diverse communities so we can care for nature and each other. And most importantly, we had fun!
NatureRisingiscreatedbyaconsortiumofpartners,ledbyBlackSeeds NetworkandFriendsoftheEarth.Weare:
More info about what’s behind the doors in our Nature Rising exhibition.
1. Carnival
A celebration of African Caribbean culture, St Pauls Carnival began in 1968. Through dance, story and community, it has grown to become one of Bristol's largest and most inclusive events. In 2023 it brought £9.2 million to the city! 100,000 people came to enjoy the celebration! Have you been to Carnival? ��stpaulscarnival.net
2. Bristol Bus Boycott and Equalities Act
Can you find this plaque in Bristol Bus Station? In 1963, racial discrimination was legal. Black and Asian people were not allowed to work on buses. A group of Bristol people including Roy Hackett, MBE, Guy Reid Bailey, OBE, Paul Stephenson,OBE, Audley Evans, Prince Brown, Owen Henry and Barbara Dettering organised a boycott to stand up against this. Their win led to The Race Relations Act 1965, making racial discrimination in public places illegal This paved the way for the Equalities Act 2010 which protects us from discrimination today. ��curiosityunltd.com
3. Food
What is your favourite food? Pizza? Noodles? Jerk Chicken? These have all been brought to the UK. One of the UK’s most popular dishes is Chicken Tikka Masala. What do you think would be different if Global Majority communities had not brought different foods to the UK? Have you been to the King St Raj? One of Bristol’s first curry restaurants, it is now innovating again, offering Bristol’s 1st full vegan curry menu. They also support environmental charity Black2Nature.
4. Science
Henrietta Lacks’ statue stands in Bristol University’s Royal Fort Gardens. Henrietta was an Black American woman who was suffering from cancer. Whilst she was being treated, her cells were taken by scientists, without her knowledge or permission. Her cells were the first to survive outside the body meaning that they could be used to develop new treatments. They have been used all over the world in some of the world's most important medical advances, including research for COVID-19.
5 Mangoes, bananas, breadfruit
Bananas, Breadfruit, Coconut, Mango, Jackfruit all come from countries with hot climates like the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. You can find Jackfruit in UK vegan food replacing meat, while coconut milk often replaces cow's milk. You can cook breadfruit in different ways; roasting, baking, boiling or frying.
Music, Bristol
When cultures mix, new types of music are born. What would UK music be like without hip hop, reggae, jazz, grime, drum and bass or sound system culture? These all originated in Black communities. Different communities have had a huge impact on Bristol’s music scene. The Bristol Sound became famous in the 1990s which included the world famous Massive Attack. They held a groundbreaking carbon neutral concert on The Downs last year.
Nature Rising featured an exciting series of workshops and interactive events in St Pauls and Easton, run by some of Bristol’s most inspiring community leaders- Judit Davis, Elsie Harp, Amrish Pandya, Tay Aziz, Tara Miran, Ian Solomon-Kawall, Gnisha Bevan, Roger Griffith, MBE and Mike Birkin. We were supported by a wonderful team of volunteers from Friends of the Earth and UWE .
We centre community expertise by creating a platform for Global Majority environmentalists in Bristol to share their knowledge.
Wildflower Playgrounds
Amrish Pandya and Priya Sheth
Amrish and Priya planted wildflowers with children and teachers in 4 nursery schools to attract bees and other insects. The children have become excited about the new pollinator visitors to their garden.
Wild Medicine
Elsie Harp
We look after nature, and nature looks after us! Elsie from Divina Botanica shared the power of healing herbs with asylum seekers and refugees. Together the group shared knowledge of herbs like dandelions, elderflower and nettle to make medicinal balms.
Wildflowers & Wellness Day
Elsie Harp and Tara Miran led our wonderful community gardening day with St Pauls Community Garden. In bright sunshine we planted a medicinal garden, made healing balms from comfrey and celebrated our cultures and heritage. We delighted rea her
Nature Rising Celebration
Ian Solomon-Kawall
In September we hosted our wonderful celebration! Run by Ian Solomon-Kawall and BSN, we celebrated the fruits of all the hard work that went into Nature Rising with our communities.
It was a stunning showcase of culture and creativity with interactive workshops on planting and pollinator habitat creation, enlightening discussions, dancing, music, and a lineup of Bristol’s talented DJs!
Bridging Across Difference
Mike Birkin from Friends of the Earth organised film screenings of Oscar nominated film Plant Power, featuring Judit Davis and Amrish Pandya. He recruited volunteers to support our programme.
Training:
Black Seeds Network are passionate about finding innovative ways to bring people together across difference, to heal, and work together for environmental and social justice. With Friends of the Earth, we trained our volunteers in anti-racism and community engagement skills.
for Inclusive Environmentalism eeded to embed these vital skills into to work together well.
Roger Griffith, MBE delivered his excellent anti-racism and effective allyship training. We showed Gnisha Bevan’s talk on tackling exclusion in mainstream environmentalism, followed by a facilitated discussion with Fabia Jeddere-Fisher and Mike Birkin.
Tay Aziz gave our volunteers a strong introduction into community Engagement, power and participatory methods, whilst Tara Miran focused on Assets-Based Community Development for equitable solutions. We want to move towards focusing on ‘what is strong, not what is wrong’!
Reflection and Healing:
Many Global Majority communities face different kinds of trauma. Supporting each other through this was a vital part of our programme. We held difficult but understanding conversations to address underlying issues, and incorporated wellbeing activities into the design of Nature Rising.
Following last year’s racist riots across the country, Black Seeds Network and Friends of the Earth held Solidarity Spaces for the Nature Rising team to come together in solidarity, unity and love.
We created safe spaces to support and care for each other. It was a beautiful reminder of what connects us and what we can do to care for ourselves and each other during distressing times.
Research Internship:
Lynn Ooi and Jemillia Powell’s research focuses on the successes of Nature Rising. Again, taking a solutions focused approach, we’re moving the conversation on from “What are the barriers and solutions for diversity in environmentalism?” to “What works about our solution and why?”
We can’t wait to hear what they find out!
Huge thanks to our partners at UWE and all the work done by Fabia Jeddere-Fisher and Dr Elahe Karimnia
TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS…
Nicolle Hanselmann
Temidayo Olagunju
Chela Alicia
Yong Jing Qi
Amaia Emmerson
Holly Stone
Katie Goldsmith
Philippa Statter
Kati Inskip- Codogno
Sophie Peters
Eleanor Fairbraida
Emily White
Kara Hawkins
Tina Brown
Ellen van der Bij
Demi Olutunmogun
Christian Rodrigues
None of this would be possible without you. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Michelle Pascal and Tracey Miller Filmmakers
We’re honoured to be working with the legendary Michelle Pascal (former BBC director on Countryfile and Antiques Roadshow)! Joined by Tracey Miller (former BBC Senior Broadcast Reporter), together they are Fam Films CIC and have made a film all about Nature Rising. Keep in touch to find out about screenings!
Our first film screening took place at the WECA Bee Bold Awards
Comms Team
Our Comms team made sure that we told our stories, our way. So important when we are often under-recognised.
Benjamin Junior James designed our website and logo. Zephyr Giddings, Clara Fung, Jordan Wylde and Jamileh Ravaan all expertly created content. And a huge thanks to our volunteers Amaia Emmerson and Holly Stone who created our comms plan!
Nature Rising would not be possible without our fantastic team, working behind the scenes.
Gnisha Bevan - Programme Lead
Gnisha is one of the main driving forces behind Nature Rising, leading the strategic development, as well as sourcing funding and managing partnerships. Passionate about creating opportunities and developing future green leaders, she is recognised for her supportive leadership where she ensures all Nature Rising leaders are platformed and celebrated.
Mike Birkin at Friends of the Earth was instrumental in applying for initial funds and provided ongoing allyship, advice and leadership throughout the programme. He recruited volunteers through Friends of the Earth and supported the development of the programme. Crucially, Mike modelled how to embed anti-racist practice in partnership working with Global Majority communities. Much needed in the environmental sector today.
Roger Griffith, MBE incubates BSN through his social enterprise Creative Connex. He offered fundraising and programme support, drawing on his decades of experience running community organisations. Azélie Bourassa from Creative Connex was also on hand to aid with business development and fundraising.
Programme support
Azaria Roshkani’s superb organisational and event organising skills kept many elements on track. Likewise Nicolle Hanselmann and Zephyr Gidding’s volunteer recruitment and co-ordination was invaluable.
Matthew Cornish and Dumebi Mkpuluma lent their skills to reporting, while Judit Davis and Jordan Wylde provided general project and event support.
We are delighted to partner with We The Curious for our Nature Rising exhibition!
Michelle Pascal led as Creative Producer, realising her vision to both celebrate nature connection in Nature Rising as well as wider communities, culture and heritage of St Pauls and Easton Michelle led our team of creatives; Tracey Miller (film editing and booklet design), Rosina Al-Shaater, Keyane Ishmail NwakaloAllman (artists) assisted by fellow artists Nadia James And Dan (SUIGEN) Thomas. Simon Ssofowora (photography) Simon's photography beautifully captures the essence of the Nature Rising team.
As Executive Producer, Gnisha played a vital role behind the scenes, ably assisted by Azaria and Matthew to bring this celebration to life.
Our Artists
Known for his commissioned murals across Bristol, Keyane's Street Scene Mural for Nature Rising stands as a testament to his artistic talent.
“Art has been my anchor and something I will always find solace in. My art reflects life and the things we've been through as a Human Family, sharing the beauty in the depth and shedding light on the destruction but all in pursuit to inspire and learn from, adding to our knowledge of self, which is the foundation for Self love. “
Rosina's Soul Tree painting unites humanity and nature.
“I recognise art as a powerful portal to heal, connect, educate, activate & mobilise, and I am fascinated by the inherent creativity of nature's ecosystems, it's reciprocal ways of functioning and the infinite patterns it reflects within and around itself. I like to use my creativity as a vehicle to engage communities and catalyse positive conscious shifts & action. Being of African-Caribbean heritage, I am particularly inspired by the African Diaspora & Indigenous communities around the world who, throughout history, have pioneered movements, rituals, & art as acts of resistance, resilience, & joy. "
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Nature Rising!
Thanks to our funders who enabled Nature Rising to begin...
Thanks to Bristol City Council for supporting our Nature Rising Celebration Special thanks to Peter Charles and Frances Gray at WECA for your support and innovation
Huge, heartfelt thanks to Laura, Andy, Katie, Ellen, Ben, Nick, Ed, Sam, Alex, Mahammad, Bridget and the entire We The Curious team for their support.
We’re so grateful for donated seeds Lemon Tree Trust, Clevedon WI, Edible Bristol, WECA, Easton Community Centre, and Bristol Seed Swap, thank you!
Pickle Factory ��nyce.org.uk/hire-our-space
Special thanks to: Docklands Community Centre �� https://docklandscentre.org.uk/ �� work-clockwise.com/
Whos who on our Nature Rising tree ?
Nature Rising was made possible by our wonderful team! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made it a success.
7.IanSolomon-Kawall KMT, CEO May Project Gardens
8.KeyaneNwakalo-Allman Ar tist
9.FabiaJeddere-Fisher School Director, Academic UWE School of Engineering
10.ZephyrGiddings Volunteer Co-ordinator Comms Team, BSN
11.RogerGriffith,MBE CEO, Creative Connex, Lead, BSN
12.PriyaSheth Treasurer, Bristol Rainforest
18.SimonSsofowora Photographer
19.BenjaminJuniorJames Media Content Producer, Creative Connex
20.AzelieBourassa Business Development Manager, Creative Connex
21.JemilliaPowell Research Intern, UWE
22.MatthewCornish Programme support, BSN
23.TayAziz Community Organiser
24.TraceyMiller Director, Fam Films
25.OurVolun Nature Ris
Gnisha Bevan Executive Producer, Black Seeds Network Lead, Nature Rising Partnership Lead
Gnisha co-developed and co-leads the Black Seeds Environmental Justice Network with Roger Griffith, MBE, showcasing and supporting the work of Global Majority environmentalists in and around Bristol As a consultant advisor on environmental and social justice projects, she specializes in strategy and brokering equitable partnerships between grassroots communities and mainstream environmental organizations. �� blackseedsenvironmentnetwork@gmail.com ��creativeconnex org/black-seeds-network/ ��creativeconnex org/nature-rising/ @blackseedsnetwork
Mike Birkin
Head of SW Campaigns, Friends of the Earth, Nature Rising Partnership Lead
Mike has been with Friends of the Earth for 35 years, supporting community groups and activists across the South West. He also served as Head of Friends of the Earth’s Bees campaign during 2017 and was a key organiser of the first Bristol Bee Summit, which gave rise to the Greater Bristol Pollinator Action Strategy and Plan. Mike has been Friends of the Earth’s lead partner for Nature Rising, demonstrating exceptional allyship ��mike.birkin@foe.co.uk
Tara Miran
Community Leader and ABCD consultant, Co-Founder St Pauls Community Garden
Tara's impactful work has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Lord Mayor's Medal. Her mission centers on fostering systematic change and ensuring equity in processes within organisations. Currently working at UoB, Temple Quarter, Barton Hill Campus, Tara is actively engaged in civic involvement and promoting social purpose within higher education Through her consultancy services, Tara advocates for more inclusive workplace practices. Tara trains on BSN’s groundbreaking course, Skills for Inclusive Environmentalism bringing the principles of ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) to the environmental sector. �� linkedin.com/in/tara-miran-kurdm/
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Elsie Harp
Founder, Divina Botanica
Elsie Harp is a flower farmer, folk herbalist and mental health practitioner, growing flowers and herbs in Bristol, UK . Elsie’s practice explores the myriad of different ways connecting to the Earth can heal. Elsie has led ecotherapy groups, foraging expeditions and herbal medicine walks, encouraging participants to nurture their own unique connection to nature Elsie's business Divina Botanica, focuses specifically on the medicine of flowers, creating seasonal floral offerings and educational resources as a way to inspire people to foster a deeper connection to Self through connecting to the wisdom of the more than human world. ��divinabotanica.com
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Michelle Pascal Creative Producer and Founder, Fam Films
A Freelance director with a decade of award winning experience at the BBC, working on such programmes as Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow and DIY SOS, Michelle has directed crews and presenters such as Matt Backer, Fiona Bruce and Nick Knowles.
Fam Films CIC is dedicated to showcasing Black stories and filmmakers and celebrating diverse communities. ��famfilmsproductions.com
Amrish Pandya
CEO, The Bristol Rainforest
Amrish Pandya, Architect and community organiser, is the co-founder and chair of The Bristol Rainforest. A lifelong love of plants, inspired by his mother, has led Amrish to grow rainforest trees with Bristol communities for spaces like the Bristol Aquarium and St Philips Nursery School. Amrish also co-created the V-Grow project, helping children grow vegetables in schools. ��thebristolrainforest org
Ian Solomon-Kawall
KMT, CEO May Project Gardens
Artist, performer and CEO of award winning May Project Gardens (MPG), Ian has over 20 years of experience in youth, education, and community work. As a grassroots pioneer, he spent nine years building his social enterprise May Project Gardens, developing innovative methods to address inequality in the environmental sector. ��mayproject.org @kmt may @may gdn
KEY (Keyane Ishmail Nwakalo-Allman)
Artist, Photographer, Filmmaker
I am a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist from St Paul’s with more than a decade of storytelling experience, through drawing/painting, photography/videography, graphics, poetry/rap etc. working with community organisations including professional clients like UWE and the NHS. His passion for creating is rooted in purpose and how art can be used as a vehicle for change, bringing new perspectives and inspiring the next generation to take pride in their value and unique perspective to understand how influential they can be. Keyane is dedicated to mentoring aspiring creative talent, such as on BSN’s Nature Connex film making project. @keycreationz /
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Fabia Jeddere-Fisher
School Director - Academic UWE School of Engineering
Fabia has a background in Building Services and Sustainability, with roles including Energy Manager and Senior Lecturer in Energy Engineering UWE Bristol. Now the Academic Director for the School of Engineering, she is a committed educator and award-winning advocate for sustainability and equality in teaching https://people uwe ac uk/Person/FabiaJeddereFisher
Zephyr Giddings
Volunteer Co-ordinator and Comms Team, BSN
Zephyr Giddings is Communications Officer, at food charity FareShare South West. With a passion for both people and planet, she combines her background in environmental studies with her experience in community engagement to inspire positive change While freelancing with Nature Rising, Zephyr seamlessly coordinated UWE volunteers and crafted engaging social media content. Her skills in brand awareness and storytelling through creative content help raise the profile of causes she cares about and build meaningful connections. ��zephyreve@hotmail.com
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Roger Griffith
CEO, Creative Connex CIC and Black Seeds Network Advocate
Roger is a writer, cultural historian and diversity consultant. He is the former Executive Chair and Broadcaster of Ujima Radio an award-winning community radio station where he co-founded the Black and Green programme. He has a passion for sharing cultural stories, advocacy and tackling social inequality. He is a life-long learning champion of which he delivered a recent Ted X Talk. Roger is the CEO of his social enterprise and community consultancy, Creative Connex CIC which incubates Black Seeds Network and is also a lecturer at UWE Bristol. He has been honoured for his services to diversity, arts and underserved communities with a Bristol Lord Mayor’s medal, an MBE and an honorary doctorate in Arts. ��creativeconnex.org ��rogergriffith.co.uk @creativeconnex
Priya Sheth
Treasurer, Bristol Rainforest and Founder, Flowers and Thorn
As well as supporting Bristol Rainforest and Nature Rising, Priya is specialises in exquisite handmade chocolates At Flowers and Thorn, she combines her childhood love of roses with a passion for chocolate, tea, and English fruits. She creates single-origin Ecuadorian chocolate infused with organic Persian rose oil, aromatic teas, and rose-infused preserves. Delicious! ��flowersandthorn.co.uk/chocolate
Azaria Roshkani
Event organiser, PA, Project Manager
Fluent in French, and currently spending a year in Paris, Azaria is a seasoned personal assistant with a knack for optimising lives. With a solid organisational background, she excels in event organising, managing calendars, travel arrangements, and correspondence. Clients value her professionalism, problem-solving skills, and practical approach. Dedicated to continuous improvement, Azaria's goal is to simplify your life and help you soar to success ��linkedin.com/in/azaria-roshkani-807b8a286/
Nicolle Hanselmann
Life Coach, Engineering Masters Student, Volunteer Co-ordinator
Nicolle is currently studying for her Master of Engineering specialising in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering at UWE Bristol. In previous work at Permali Gloucester she advanced her hands on experience in meticulous material testing to laboratory standards She has particular technical acumen in computer-aided design. As well as being highly organised, Nicolle is also an excellent people person, and has been a skilled volunteer-co-ordinator for Nature Rising. Her commitment to mental well-being and personal growth shines through in her work as a life coach, nurturing a supportive, growth-oriented environment within scientific and engineering communities
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Judit Davis
Community Leader, Flourishing in St Pauls
Judit is a community organiser, performer, and artist with decades of experience working with St Pauls residents With community activities such as gangsta gardening, she inspires people of all ages to grow vegetables and flowers, and her work has been featured in several films, including the Oscar-nominated film Plant Power. ��facebook.com/FRIENDSOFSAINTPAULSLUXURIANCE
Rosina Al-Shaater
Artist, Singer, Songwriter & Community Engagement Specialist
Rosina is a Bristol-based creative and activist of mixed heritage who uses art as a portal for healing, connection, education, and mobilisation Her passions include illustration, radio (Ujima Radio 98fm), music multimedia documentary, environmental engagement, and intergenerational memory, with a focus on uplifting Black and Brown diasporic communities. She co-hosts Black and Green Future (decolonising environmental topics) and co-founded Hear Our Voices (exploring neurodiversity, Black heritage, and environmental justice). As a singer, poet, and MC for 1Relation Sound System, Rosina draws on her Soul and Jazz roots, specialising in Dub and Reggae. She considers her voice both her creative weapon & medicine.
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Lynn Ooi
Research Intern, UWE, and Interior Architecture Graduate
Passionate about sustainability and affordability in architecture, Lynn recently graduated with First Class Honours from her Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree at UWE Bristol. She also holds a degree in illustration Tokyo Institute of Art and Design. Lynn is an effective educator, as demonstrated in her work as a peer tutor at UWE and as an instructional facilitator at NEXCO, Japan. A excellent communicator, Lynn speaks in 3 languages; English, Chinese and Japanese Her calm and reassuring manner put interviewees at ease during her research for Nature Rising. She honed many new research skills during her internship for Nature Rising leading to a new interest in pursuing further work as a researcher.
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Simon Ssofowora
Photographer and Filmmaker
Simon is a talented up and coming photographer and filmmaker, shooting many of the images for the Nature Rising exhibition. With a friendly and approachable manner, Simon puts people at ease during photo shoots in order to capture them in their best light Familiar with the workflow of editorial, post-production and kit room, he has worked as a shooting assistant for Phoenix Television on a true crime documentary. He successfully completed a production internship at Clockwise film where he conceptualised, shot and edited social content as well as acting as additional camera on commercial photo shoots. Passionate about the Natural world, Simon still draws on his experience at Wild Space Productions He is currently developing his own passion projects and continuing his development of creative craft in virtual production and cinematography. ��linkedin.com/in/akin-sofowora-43a39123a/ @aka akinkunmi/
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Benjamin Junior James
Media Content Producer, Creative Connex
Designer of the NR logo and the Website for Black Seeds Network, Benjamin James is a versatile media producer specializing in brand identity, graphic design, and storytelling through film. Passionate about environmental and diversity-focused projects, he creates impactful visuals and videos to amplify underrepresented people and drive meaningful change.
��linkedin com/in/benjaminjamesjr/ benjamin creativeconnex@gmail com
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Azélie Bourassa
Business Development Manager, Creative Connex
Azélie brings over seven years’ experience working in the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector. She has developed an intimate knowledge of the opportunities and challenges associated with growing a business, including strategic planning, scale-up and partnering, and has an ability to envision pathways to long-term growth. She oversees projects and designs successful marketing campaigns, including content creation. She has an excellent track record of securing investment for core and projectfunding from trusts and foundations.
��creativeconnex org
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Jemillia Powell
Research Intern, UWE and Architecture and Environmental Engineering Graduate
Jemilia has a passion for architecture as a vehicle for social progress and for amplifying the voices of marginalised people. A commitment to designing spaces that celebrate diversity and inclusivity lies at the heart of her vision to challenge existing norms and pave the way for a more equitable society Committed to decarbonising the built environment, she strives to create spaces meeting functional needs and also serving as symbols of progress and change. Jemilia is a Youth Advisor at Creative Youth Network, consulting on neuro-inclusive design in their space, The Courts. In 2024 she volunteered in Fiji with Think Pacific, a small, ethical organisation increasing education opportunities, health care and sustainable development
Matthew Cornish Programme support, BSN
Matthew Cornish, holds a BA(Hons) in Human Geography from UWE, specialises in sustainable transportation and urban revitalisation. Passionate about livable, eco-friendly spaces, he freelances for Black Seeds Network, contributing to consultancy projects, impact reports, and comms strategies. ��linkedin.com/in/matthew-cornish-6a1622236/
Tay Aziz Malik - Community Organiser
Tay (she/her) is a community organiser, engagement specialist, and filmmaker with experience on projects for Netflix and the BBC Natural History Unit A prolific storyteller, she works across film, photography, events , and more, centering justice and care in co-creative and nonextractive processes with communities. On the Nature Rising Project, Tay delivered anti-racism training to help allies understand where they can disrupt systems of power which exploit people and planet and support Global Majority communities to resist and make anew.
��tayazizmedia com @taymalik
Tracey
Miller
Freelance Film Maker, Broadcast Journalist, Director Fam Films
Tracey Miller, an experienced Senior Reporter with more than a decade of experience at the BBC. With her diverse experience encompassing both oncamera and off-camera skills, Tracey's expertise shines through in every project she undertakes Recently transitioning to a freelance career, Tracey has become a director at Fam Films, where she has showcased her exceptional editing skills, including in projects for Nature Rising and BSN. Tracey is also currently doing a Masters in creative practice, further honing her skills in the field of media and communication. ��famfilmsproductions.com 25
Some of our volunteers
Without the support and spirit of our volunteers Nature Rising would not exist. See page 10. We thank you so much!
Dr. Elahe Karimnia
Senior Lecturer in Critical Urban Practice
Elahe is an urban scholar specializing in feminist and decolonial approaches to design. At UWE, she co-leads BA (Hons) Architecture and Planning. She is interested in alternative and transformative practices through which different forms of exclusions and dominations are creatively questioned andresisted.
Clara Fung Comms Team, BSN
Clara is an experienced project manager with 4.5 years in Bristol's environmental sector, driving citywide action for a zero-carbon, socially just, and nature-rich cities. She excels in research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive facilitation, supporting diverse community leadership and just transition initiatives Named in Rife Magazine’s 30 under 30, Clara has worked with a broad range of organizations and is committed to climate action.
Jamileh Ravaan
Executive Creative Consultant , Sabzi Studios
With over three years of experience as an Executive Creative Consultant, Jamileh specializes in blending neuropsychological insights with creative strategy to craft impactful narratives. ��linkedin.com/in/jamileh-ravaan-b86a541a8/
Tina Brown
Multi-disciplined artist, performer, and musician
Tina Brown is a self-taught music producer, multi-disciplined artist, performer, writer, and musician Known for her magical storytelling and showpuppetry, Tina created a song and special performance for Nature Rising. She is the driving force behind community jams that draw inspiration from the vibrant sounds of veteran African and Caribbean musicians. Tina's events are designed to foster a warm and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to shine. Learn more about her inspiring work: ��facebook com/yesidub/ https://www instagram com/yesi dub/ ��www.youtube.com/@yesidub
Beyond those pictured on our tree: 30
Melissa
Sound Healer, Massage Therapist, Drift Away Wellness
Melissa, a massage therapist and reiki healer has a rich background in fitness and well-being, and many who have experienced her treatments say she has ‘healing hands ’ At her practice, Drift Away Therapies, she has been providing professional therapies for over eight years. Melissa offers a wide range of massages and other therapies, which aim to bring relief from chronic and holistic conditions. She also shares her expertise in sound baths, offering you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
��facebook.com/Driftawaytherapiesbristol/ @driftaway wellness/ 31 32
Cameron Medford-Hawkins
Cam Op/Writer, Director
A multi-skilled filmmaking professional with a specific interest in camera operating and directing. Cameron recently showcased his debut short film “Another Day In Buenoseres” winning best Sci-fi at the Vienna International Film Festival as well as other awards. As a freelance filmmaker, he has worked as assistant camera operator on films and TV recently working alongside Erik Wilson Bsc - the Director of Photography (DoP) for Paddington.
Patch de Salis
Self shooting director, rapper
Patch shot much of the footage at the Nature Rising Wildflowers and Wellness community day. He is also an upcoming director, spreading positive messages and bringing people's stories to life. Focusing on documentaries, short films, music videos and promo films he has worked with a diverse range of clients including gyms, corporate businesses, charities, creatives, councils and museums https://youtube com/@patchdesalis9092?si=CJsktWAXMnivpGZ7
Dumebi Mkpuluma
Psychologist | Mental Wellbeing Advocate
Dumebi Mkpuluma is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to promoting mental well-being's impact on physical health. Her advocacy breaks down mental health stigma, fostering open dialogue and emotional resilience. Beyond her profession, she engages with diverse audiences, sharing expertise as a sought-after speaker and influencer in holistic health and wellness.
Noella
Fernandez and her mum
Ran workshops at our Nature Rising celebration! Originally from Venezuela, they’ve called Bristol home since 2002 and are avid growers at Easton Community Garden, their favourite spot to reconnect with nature. Their workshop introduced us to fascinating Latin American pollinators, and we got the chance to try our hand at cross-pollination!
DJ-ing at Nature Rising celebration
DJ CHEZA LUCINA, wove big bassy grooves together, exposing the underground sounds from all around. Travelling across space from South London to South Africa, over to South America and back to St.Vincent. spanning genres from soca, dembow and amapiano to jungle, dubstep and garage!
DJ-ing at Nature Rising celebration, DJ HANNZA:
“Heavyweight bangers, energy and sauce. Hannza brings the heat, the genres may change but the attitude remains the same; massive Influenced by the Bristol music scene growing up, Hannza draws from a rich source of music as well as mixing flavours from around the world to create tantalisingly tasty vibes @hannza /
Dan (SUIGEN) Thomas
Graffiti artist, founder & director Tuff Cookie Arts
Dan, otherwise known as (SUIGEN) is an arts award winning graffiti artist, muralist, illustrator and youth arts educator who has recently moved to Bristol from South London. She is the founder and director of Tuff Cookie, a graffiti and hip hop based youth arts brand focused on aiding mental social and emotional wellbeing in disadvantaged communities.
Socials: @tuffcookie.arts
Nadia James
Artist, fashion designer, web designer
A Bristol designer that loves community and creativity. Colour is the language to Nadia’s soul and with anything created the end result will always be vibrant Nadia has the most experience in fashion and web design, but loves all things art and always enjoys experimenting with other media’s to enhance her portfolio.
Socials: @nadiajames
I n l o v i n g m e m o r y o f o u r d e a r
f r i e n d G u l i d M o h a m m e d ,
w h o i n s p i r e d u s a l l w i t h h i s
n d l o v e . W e m i s s y o u .
c r e a t i v e c o n n e x o r g / n a t u r e - r i s i n g
c r e a t i v e c o n n e x . o r g / b l a c k - s e e d s - n e t w o r k
b l a c k s e e d s e n v i r o n m e n t n e t w o r k @ g m a i l . c o m