THE Wee County is being called upon to help make 1,000 origami paper cranes this year as part of an ambitious art project.

The Japanese Garden at Cowden hopes to create an art installation using the pieces by the end of 2023, showcasing all the individuals and groups that took the time to contribute.

The project seeks to celebrate what people can achieve when working together while promoting wellbeing tools and activities.

It also has its origins in the Japanese traditional belief that if a person was to fold 1,000 origami cranes then their wish would come true.

Nicola Dibley, education and outreach officer at the garden, said: “The Japanese Garden itself is designed with wellbeing in mind.

“With this project we’d like to promote that message beyond the garden and spread the positive message of wellbeing as far and wide as we can.

“But we really need the help of people in the community to make it work.

“We’ve already had some brilliant support from Muckhart Primary School and Alva Academy as well as our wonderful garden volunteers so it’s been a great start.

“The project is a great challenge to get behind and remind us all that when we work together we can achieve great things.”

Garden volunteer Ann has embraced the project from the very start.

She currently has a tally of more than 100 cranes and said: “Like many of us I dabbled with some origami as a child.

“The opportunity to take part in this project really appealed to me and I have not been disappointed.

“It’s quite challenging to learn the sequence of folds at first but perseverance paid off and I now find it an easy process and very rewarding.

“We use a range of patterned paper and the cranes look beautiful. They will be quite a spectacle in the final display.

“I would encourage anyone to give it a go.”

Groups and people looking to hear more about the project can email outreach@cowdengarden.com to get involved – all materials and support will be provided to groups.