In summer 2016 I volunteered and became a member of the In the Eyes of the Animal team. It was the highlight of my summer and, in my opinion, a unique and inspiring event to be a part of. When was the last time you walked into your local park to discover something so different, and all for free?
In the Eyes of the Animal was an event held by RSPB Cymru’s Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project, in partnership with arts organisation, Migrations, and immersive experience studio, Marshmallow Laser Feast. The experience allowed visitors to become four different animals and to see the world as an animal might, all via virtual reality. Up-and-coming technology was combined with nature to cater for all ages and encouraged visitors to think and feel like an animal while in a natural environment. The event was staged in the tranquil surroundings of Cardiff’s Bute Park which enabled visitors to become further immersed in the natural sounds. For example, as an owl, you could hear the wind rustling through the trees and the sound of birds, which really contributed to the atmosphere and the experience.Above: the In the Eyes of the Animal team, with Ruth 4th from the left
After finishing my degree I was looking for work experience and I found the event through my local council website. It was a plus that this opportunity offered experience that related to my art background. I was also keen to experience virtual reality as well as learning more about what we would be showing through the virtual reality headsets. I hadn’t heard much about virtual reality or worked with this type of equipment before, so it was lovely to be trusted with the headsets and get hands on appreciation of the kit. As a member of the crew I learnt a lot about nature in Bute Park and also about the wildlife on offer via the virtual reality experience.
I also learnt so much from my fellow team members and I can’t thank them enough. In the Eyes of the Animal was a truly brilliant thing to be a part of – to watch the various reactions that we received from members of the public and to discuss all that we were doing. I made friends and gained skills that are now a valuable asset in my current post.
I encourage anyone who’s thinking about volunteering for Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff to grab the opportunity with both hands, where you could be a part of a truly remarkable event......I certainly won’t forget the experience!
Above: In the Eyes of the Animal, images by Martyn PoynorIf you fancy volunteering for Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff, please email Stacey.Baldwin@rspb.org.uk.