Young people at Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) have been working under the guidance of local artist and youth zone arts coordinator, Mark Gibbs as part of the Green PLACE environmental project.

Sculptures made by Mark Gibbs following receipt of a Fellfoot Forward micro-bursary and artwork produced by the youngsters themselves are now on display at the RSPB Geltsdale near Brampton until Sunday, March 19.

The artwork all features moorland birds which the nature reserve is famous for housing.

News and Star: Birds on plasterboard using acrylic and spray paintBirds on plasterboard using acrylic and spray paint (Image: Carlisle Youth Zone)Arts coordinator, Mark Gibbs studied fine arts at the University of Cumbria before being nominated for several prestigious awards and has exhibited his work across the UK and internationally.

Carlisle Youth Zone is a purpose-built youth centre in the city for young people aged 12- 25.

From the top floor you can glimpse the outline of the Pennines, but for many young people in the city these hills are hard to reach.

Working with Green PLACE, senior members aged 12-18 explored this region by walking, canoeing, and camping, earning themselves a John Muir Award.

The group then made bird sculptures and street art style paintings inspired by bird identification boards.

Green PLACE is an initiative facilitated and funded by the Cumbria Development Education Centre, Defra and Playful nature.

Mark Gibbs, who specialises in creating intricate animal sculptures, said: “My art tells stories about our relationship with the natural world, history and systems of power.”

News and Star: Lapwing sculptures by Mark GibbsLapwing sculptures by Mark Gibbs (Image: Mark Gibbs)Last summer, Mark won a Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership micro-bursary which, funded time learning a ceramic technique from a master potter.

CYZ is a charity which opened in 2011 with the objective of supporting young people’s personal, social and educational development.

They do this by giving young people from diverse backgrounds access to incredible facilities 6 nights a week, in a vibrant, purpose-built space packed with engaging activities, and the opportunity to make friends, develop new skills, unlock their potential and have fun.

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Since opening, the Youth Zone have helped 15,000 young people along the way to realising their full potential.