Last weekend the Herds, a spectacular public art initiative made up of life-sized animal puppets, made a striking debut at Pennington Flash. Having travelled 20,000km on a journey from Africa to the Article Circle, the immersive installation aims to raise awareness of climate change and inspire action. The visit transformed the nature reserve into a stage for environmental storytelling, drawing in crowds with its visually arresting presence and strong message.
From the team behind Little Amal and Manchester International Festival, The Herds brought to life beautifully crafted puppet forms of animals such as zebras, elephants, and gazelles. Every fibre of the material was visible, highlighting the artistry and care in their creation. Guided by masterful volunteers, the puppets moved with natural grace, mirroring the very real migration of animals fleeing north due to the destruction of their natural habitats.
The journey began in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the banks of the mighty Congo River. From there, The Herds emerged from the lush forests of the Congo Basin—often called the “lungs of the world.” The animals then made their way through West Africa’s bustling metropolises, including Lagos, Nigeria, and Dakar, Senegal. In North Africa, the blistering heat was no match for them as they walked through the vibrant streets of Marrakesh and Casablanca.
Soon, The Herds arrived in Europe, making appearances in San Fernando, Madrid, Marseille, and Paris, before heading to the UK. In London and Greater Manchester, the public came face to face with the moving sculptures, offering a moment of reflection on the harsh realities of the climate crisis and its impact on both wildlife and people.
Concluding its journey in the Arctic Circle after crossing multiple continents, The Herds will eventually arrive at one of the northernmost cities in the world—though its exact destination has yet to be revealed.
Rarely has Pennington Flash been so alive with activity, filled with families and adults drawn together by a large-scale installation of this magnitude. The event reminded us of the power of public art—not just to captivate, but to connect. As children and adults interacted with the life-sized animals, it invited us to reflect on our own behaviours and the profound impact they have on wildlife and the planet.
Perhaps this event will spark important conversations. Or perhaps it simply encouraged people to pause, listen, and learn. Either way, many left with a deeper, more empathetic and curious understanding of the world we inhabit, and the urgent need to protect it.