The reasons for what I do are many and complicated. My father was a bit of an artist, and I grew up cherishing his drawings, as I saw them as a connection to a father who had died serving his country in the Royal Air Force when I was a baby. I had no memory of him, but I had (and still have) his drawings.  

Thanks to my mum, I also grew up loving nature and my wife and I have explored the British countryside together, gathering inspiration, for decades. Then with the profound personal loss, the death of our first grandchild, we felt compelled for me to pursue art full-time, deeply intertwining my life with my love for nature and family. 

In my journey, it was a transformative trip to Uganda, engaging firsthand with the wildlife conservation efforts there, that redefined my purpose as an artist, turning me into someone dedicated to both creating art and contributing to wildlife conservation. 

At this pivotal moment in our relationship with nature, my collaboration with The Wildlife Trusts is deeply personal and driven by a desire to prevent further loss. Having felt the profound impact of personal loss, I am committed to using my art as a means to support and promote conservation efforts that protect our natural world. This partnership is not just about creating art; it's about fostering a sustainable and protective approach to conservation, ensuring that the natural beauty we cherish can be preserved for future generations. 

In March 2023, I embarked on a mission to visit at least 50 Wildlife Trust reserves, creating sketches that capture the essence of each location. These sketches formed the basis for 16 larger artworks, all inspired by the unique encounters at these reserves. 

We met playful puffins on Skomer with The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, were transfixed by a stealthy long-eared owl at Slievenacloy, with Ulster Wildlife Trust in Northern Ireland, spent time with grey seals and their pups in Lincolnshire and were charmed by the simple beauty of a meadow of Snakes-head fritillaries in Upper Waterhay, Wiltshire. We lay face to face with badgers in Herts and Middlesex and saw the light sparkling off the waters of Hoselaw Loch in Scotland. 

And that's just a fraction of the experiences that deepened my appreciation for the vibrant wildlife and ecosystems of our islands.

The main take away from this project is the commitment of the Wildlife Trusts’. Without their conservation efforts, most of the beautiful habitats and wildlife species we enjoyed would not exist. 

Throughout our travels, we were fortunate to meet exceptional volunteers and staff. Katy, Ronald, Michael, Marcella, and Matthew deserve special recognition for their efforts to show us the truly wonderful nature of Northern Ireland, Herts and Middlesex, and Lincolnshire. Their passion and dedication not only inspired us but also demonstrated the powerful impact of committed individuals in conservation. They filled us with hope that, if we do the right things, we can overcome the climate and nature crisis. 

My creative process starts with the sketches and selecting which sketches to develop into full artworks is always exhilarating, focusing on those that spark the most creative energy. These ideas are then finalised on canvas with biro and white oil paint. 

This artistic journey has been both a personal catharsis and a means to contribute to a greater cause. The final collection, representing over a years work, will be showcased on April 24th at Camley Street Natural Park in London. This exhibition will not only display the 53 sketches but also 16 major pieces that encapsulate the essence of this project.