The Interwoven subgroup of Dolmens Climate Action Network has been bringing together creativity and environmental action through an inspiring community arts project focused on raising awareness of marine litter.

The group was originally formed in summer 2025 when local women responded to a call from Mary Robinson for climate action groups across Ireland to contribute a square to a quilt travelling to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Since then, Interwoven has grown into a vibrant arts and crafts group exploring environmental themes through creative expression.

This autumn, the group was selected to participate in the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) CEMENT Project (Community Engagement, Mentoring, Education, Network and Training), receiving support from artists Caroline Shimmons and Elaine McCombe through a series of six workshops.

After discussing local environmental concerns, the group chose to focus on water, reflecting on the health of our rivers and seas and the growing problem of waste. Over eight weeks, participants gathered at Turnip House and explored local shorelines, collecting both marine litter and natural treasures such as shells, seaweed and mermaids’ purses. These materials were woven together into a striking textile artwork that transforms discarded waste into something meaningful and beautiful.

Inspired by the approaching festival of Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day, the evolving tapestry has become St. Brigid’s Cloak, accompanied by a handmade effigy of Brigid as saint, healer, poet and symbol of renewal.

The completed artwork was unveiled at a special event at Turnip House and later displayed at Castlewellan Library. Dolmens Climate Action Network hopes the exhibition will spark conversations about the environmental challenges facing our rivers and seas.

Dolmens Climate Action Network gratefully acknowledges the support of Community Arts Partnership in making this project possible.

Interwoven/ Fite Fuaite