An international public art and climate action project is coming to Macclesfield.

From April to August, herds of life-size puppet animals will stampede into cities across Africa and Europe to flee climate disaster.

THE HERDS will see dozens of museums, galleries and historic houses in the UK host artistic events, workshops and educational activities, all aimed at inspiring the next generation and deepening connections with the natural world.

Here in Macclesfield, the Silk Museum will stage two free workshops - Threads of Nature – From Silk to Swifts: A Hands-On Workshop led by Babbling Vagabonds.

The workshop, supported by Art Fund, will feature puppet making and storytelling and focuses on the journey of the swift and its connection to the silk industry and how the cultivation of mulberry trees and the silk trade influenced local eco systems.

The work created will then form part of a visual display to help highlight the migration of the swift and how we can come together and connect to the natural world.

Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund said: "Art Fund is supporting 44 museums and galleries across the UK take part in THE HERDS with their communities.

"Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational activities, we're excited to enable even more people of all ages to get involved in their local area and be inspired by museum collections and this extraordinary international climate movement."

THE HERDS is produced by David Lan and Tracey Seaward for The Walk Productions and created by Amir Nizar Zuabi with executive producer Sarah Loader. 

It is presented in partnership with global climate organisations – including WWF International, Save the Elephants, Wild Africa, Global Rewilding Alliance and TED Countdown - as well as numerous arts organisations, scientists, artists, zoologists, politicians, climate activists, universities and civil society groups across Africa and Europe.

It arrives in Manchester in July as part of the Manchester International Festival.