Wildlife
Spring stems, Spring begins
On the first day of Spring I was treated to the sound of Pied Wagtails. A pair back and forth chirruping from the workshop roof and fence post. I’m always hopeful they’ll return and nest here – so with any luck they’ll like what they see and stay. I also heard the low humming […]
Little Hushwings
I spent some time over the last month setting aside some Ancaster Limestone for carving my small Barn Owl sculptures, the Little Hushwings. They’re now all chiselled to shape and sanded for an impeccable finish. Although I follow the same form for each one made – they’re every bit individuals, and of course every […]
Nightjar Sculpture
A number of years ago I went out on a Nightjar watching evening. Once we arrived at the site I found a tussock of heather and made myself comfortable. And watched, and waited. We were surrounded by trees and rough upland terrain, which gradually became indistinct as the light ebbed away. But still I […]
Vixen Cub
Fox sculpture carved in Fell Sandstone – a Vixen cub sitting in the Spring morning sunshine on mossy tree roots on the edge of Hagg Wood. March is the peak month for fox cub births, though it will be a few weeks before they emerge from the den. They’re born blind and deaf […]
The Moorhen at Oldfield Pond
I’ve come to this pond to watch wildlife many times – here it is in Winter, looking a little bleak – but as we come into Spring the edges fill with rush and reeds and its inhabitants re-appear and it is teeming with activity and life. For as long as I can remember a […]
Diving Bird Sculpture
Diving Bird – carved in Serpentine stone showing the sleek outline typical of all Diving Birds found in UK wetlands. The streamlined curves help these birds – the Great Northern Diver, the Red-Throated Diver, the Black-Throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Black-Necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and the Cormorant – become exceptional swimmers both […]
Robin Redbreast
In the cold and wintry weather, still hear his song: ‘Somebody must sing’ said Robin, ‘or winter will seem long’. Robin carved in Yorkstone, with the stone colour and markings perfect for its glorious red breast. See details in my online shop – view Robin Redbreast
Crested Tit Bird Sculpture
Crested Tit sculpture carved in Yorkstone showing the distinctive tuft of feathers on its head. These tiny birds live in coniferous forests in northern and central Europe and are found in the pinewoods of northern Scotland. Once a pair have established themselves, nests are formed into a cup shape, built entirely by females, and […]
Leaf Birdbath
Sculptural Leaf Birdbath complete with perched bird carved in natural stone – 34″ x 23″ x 13″ For my recent show Beautiful & Useful at Sussex Prairies Gardens I popped this Birdbath on a plinth and it created a handsome and much admired feature – especially with the wonderful backdrop of the dramatic Amaranthus […]
New Wings
The young Barn Owls spend vast amounts of time preening, stretching and opening their wings to flap in mock flight. It is all about building up strength and confidence – I see them using their wings for balance while running, begging for food and for fending off over-eager siblings. They’re now very protective of […]