Knit for Wildlife is a new initiative that uses knitting in innovative ways to build wildlife literacy. By translating ecological insights into open-access knitting patterns, the project turns scientific knowledge into something people can wear, share, gift, and recognise in daily life. It shifts wildlife stories from something you read occasionally to something that becomes part of culture. The initiative supports co-flourish mindsets: Knitting strengthens focus, mastery, and wellbeing, while communal making builds empathy and long-term care. Qualities essential for protecting wildlife.
The first pilot, with Love the Oceans in Mozambique, showed how knitting can reach a more diverse audience than traditional science outreach. Knitting communities cross age, geography, income, and culture. Making them powerful carriers of conservation stories.
At the centre of the initiative are the digital residencies, where knitters-in-residence collaborate with scientists, artists, and local knowledge-holders. Each residency focuses on a specific species, region, or conservation challenge and transforms the insights into patterns and visual materials that anyone can use. Beyond the residencies, Knit for Wildlife includes knit-alongs, pop-up events, and open digital sessions to expand participation and accessibility.
In 2026, the next cohort will focus on Vegaøyan in Northern Norway. Learning more about seabird decline from the eider tenders of the UNESCO World Heritage archipelago. Translating their practices into new creative patterns and public activities.
Future cohorts will continue to explore different species and regions, keeping the stories fresh and widening cultural reach.
Main audiences: Young adults, global knitting communities, educators, coastal communities, and the wider public.
Cover photo © Love the Oceans