FLOCK is a Dumfries and Galloway–wide ceramics project engaging young people from 57 schools and settings across the region. Led by ceramic artist Frances Ross, and supported by artists Clare Dawdry and Ruth Jones. Funded by the The Holywood Trust and Creative Scotland, the project gives children and young people the chance to experience the grounding properties of clay while supporting classroom learning and a sense of place in their home of D&G. The project was piloted September 2024 – March 2025 in 9 primary schools and 2 High Schools. Due to its success a further 49 workshops have been delivered November 2025 – March 2026. Inspired by local landscapes and birdlife, pupils have created over 1,200 individually made ceramic birds, to be brought together in one striking outdoor installation. The very first FLOCK exhibition will be displayed as part of Spring Fling 2026 at Barwhillanty Estate, celebrating creativity, collaboration and the collective creative voice of young people from across Dumfries and Galloway. The FLOCK workshop was a two-hour hands-on experience for P6-S2s, provided at no cost to each setting. Each session began with a presentation about clay – where it comes from (under our feet!), how long has it been used for (up to 30,000 years!) and what we use it for (from sculptures to toilets!). Each Individual was then given their own piece of clay to practice making a pinch pot. They used their imaginations to turn these into something new – anything from monsters with teeth and top hats to beautifully decorated bowls which they took home. They then moved onto creating their own birds. Designing their piece, giving it character, detail and colour with vibrant slip. The artists took each bird away to be glazed and fired to be united with the larger FLOCK.