Unleashing Your Inner Child: The Story of the Moss Monsters
Eva Lis – Moss Monsters
Step into the magical world of Moss Monsters, where clay and moss come together to create a thriving community of nature lovers! Led by Eva Liss, this community initiative in Thamesmead, London, reignited the connection between people and nature in a unique and imaginative way.
Eva moved to Thamesmead during the Covid-19 pandemic and was keen to meet people in the community – a difficult time to get to know new neighbours. She applied to the Making Space for Nature programme with an idea for a project that would involve her in the community. As Eva explains, living “in a big city like London, we sometimes forget how important nature is for our well being.” Her aim was to share her love of nature and instil a sense of fascination and empathy for the often-overlooked plant, moss.
Eva’s vision for the project was deeply rooted in the power of storytelling and imagination. As a child, Eva remembers experiences of meeting fantastical creatures in the woods and was determined to create a space where people could revisit their childhood imaginations. She hoped they could leave their problems behind and embrace a sense of wonder and curiosity. As she explains, “I want to go back to this storytelling, to this kind of fantasy. To expand our imagination, our experience [and] try to imagine life through the eyes of a child.” For Eva, the Moss Monsters project was about more than just connecting with nature, it was about tapping into the boundless creativity and limitless possibility that comes with embracing our inner child.
The idea to use moss as the centrepiece of the project came from Eva’s deep research into the plant itself. With a history spanning millions of years, moss is the oldest plant on earth and has played a vital role in shaping the natural world that we see today. Despite its importance, however, moss is often seen as a nuisance and is routinely removed from gardens and other green spaces. Eva was determined to change this perception and help people appreciate the vibrant moist plant.
Eva’s infectious passion and enthusiasm for the project, and the response from the community were overwhelming. People across Thamesmead attended the workshops, bringing friends and family, who all interacted. Parents told Eva how the project helped them bond with their children, creating a space for them to enjoy activities together. On a personal note, she said, getting to know people in the community “really made me feel like I belong here and am accepted.”
Eva connected with people who wanted to be involved with future iterations of the Moss Monsters, and there is even talk of creating an animated film. She is excited about the possibilities and the evolution of the Moss Monster’s story. During our conversation, she hinted at the possibility of creating stories around Thamesmead. Can you imagine how a conversation between two blades of grass would go? Or, what the adventure of a stick might be like?
Eva, with her fascinating and imaginative mind, succeeded in showcasing the beauty and value of moss while inspiring a sense of respect and wonder for the plant. Moss Monsters captivated children and adults across Thamesmead, proving that there’s no age limit on fun. Eva’s project has brought the community together, strengthening relationships between neighbours, families and with nature. The project is a great example of community-led impact, by encouraging people to explore their imaginations and see the world through a new lens, Eva has created a truly transformative experience that strengthens their connection to the natural world.
Did you enjoy reading about Moss Monsters? Read more stories from Making Space for Nature participants in Thamesmead:
Using Art to Connect Community With Nature
Making Waves In The Fight Against Waste: Community-Led Action
Building Bridges Through Bird Boxes: Empowering Young People For Environmental Change
Uncovering the Secrets of Thamesmead’s Community Gardens
Making Space for Nature
The Making Space for Nature (MSFN) programme is part of the CLEVER Cities project in Thamesmead, London, that provides opportunities for local residents to create a greener and happier community through innovative solutions. MSFN is managed by CLEVER Cities, Groundwork London, Peabody and Greater London Authority.