The streets of Walthamstow may not seem like the obvious place to find inspiration from wildlife for a series of sculptures, but that’s just what local sculptor Michelle Reader has done.

In her latest project, Wildlife ReWorked, she has been working with families from Waltham Forest to create a set of ten wildlife sculptures using discarded materials found in the area. Eleven families with children between the ages of six and 12 have been involved with scavenging for objects to make the sculptures and help Michelle with the design.

The children have enjoyed visiting wildlife in often surprising locations, and taking inspiration from the streets of Walthamstow, Vestry House Garden and the Waterworks Nature Reserve.

To create her artwork, Michelle uses recycled materials that might otherwise end up in landfill, which is not without difficulties.

“It can be a bit hit and miss depending on what you find. It’s about using waste creatively and getting people to look at it differently.”

However, she enjoys the unpredictability of what you will find and the unexpected uses for materials.

Passing on a legacy of using manual skills is one of the motivations behind the project.

“Children don’t get much of an opportunity to develop their manual skills at school now, so this provides them with an opportunity.”

Michelle studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and has been based at the Blackhorse Lane Studios for the past six years. She says that her surroundings have been a resource for ideas.

“It’s taken a little while to get to know the area, but as I do, having the Lee Valley and Epping Forest on either side is definitely a source of inspiration.”

  • The sculptures will be exhibited at the Waterworks Nature Reserve, on Lammas Road in Leyton, between Monday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 17 and at The Mill, Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, from Thursday, July 18 to Thursday August, 8. Details: michelle-reader.co.uk