Did you know that the RSPB nature reserves are home to 18,700 species of wildlife? However, if you look beyond the flora and fauna, you can also spot something else – art!
A recent mural by street artist ATM at RSPB Arne. Photo: Lesley Gorman (RSPB)
RSPB Arne
Visitors to RSPB Arne can admire a recent mural by street artist ATM, which was featured on this year’s Springwatch. What started as a blank white canvas has been transformed into a stunning piece of art showcasing five of the reserve’s iconic species: Dartford Warbler, Sand Lizard, Ladybird Spider, Nightjar and Purbeck Mason Wasp.
Reflector by CAMM Design at RSPB Frampton Marsh. Photo: RSPB
RSPB Frampton Marsh
Reflector at RSPB Frampton Marsh, commissioned and funded by the TransportedArt project in 2014 and unveiled in spring 2015, was created by Wirral-based arts duo CAMM Design. Vertical wooden slats mimic reeds, while the rippled steel mirrors the expanse of sky, much like how water does. Community outreach sessions provided an opportunity for budding artists to show appreciation of their local wildlife by etching designs of flying birds onto the steel surface.
A transformed shipping buoy at RSPB Frampton Marsh. Photo: RSPB
Additionally, visitors can admire two transformed shipping buoys on the reserve, also commissioned and funded by TransportedArt. Local graffiti artist Nathan Murdoch painted one buoy with bird species and the other with non-avian species found on the reserve.
Black Grouse by Mark Wilson, shown at the RSPB Geltsdale art gallery. Illustration: Mark Wilson
RSPB Geltsdale
RSPB Geltsdale, nestled within the remote but beautiful landscape of the North Pennines, is home to one of the UK’s most remote art galleries. The gallery aims to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing local artists’ and photographers’ work.
Hugh’s Wabbit by Hugh Clark at RSPB Geltsdale. Photo: RSPB
In addition to the gallery, Geltsdale also features outdoor art installations on the nature reserve. A wooden sculpture named Hugh’s Wabbit, crafted by Hugh Clark, captures the striking stance of the rabbit. Hugh is a regular exhibitor at Geltsdale.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at RSPB Salthome. Photo: RSPB
RSPB Saltholme
Visitors to RSPB Salthome can enjoy two impressive sculptures.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, who grew up near the reserve, has been delighting visitors for over a decade and continues to be a popular photo spot.
The dragonfly lifecycle sculpture at RSPB Saltholme. Photo: RSPB
This dragonfly lifecycle sculpture was installed simultaneously with a series of ponds designed to attract a variety of dragonflies. In 2022, a new boardwalk was added for visitors to get up close and personal with the darting dragonflies that can be found in the 14 freshwater pools.
Skein Dial at RSPB Loch Lomond. Photo: RSPB
RSPB Loch Lomond
RSPB Loch Lomond is home to a sculpture designed by artist and researcher Hannah Imlach. Skein Dial highlights the migration of Greenland White-fronted Geese that winter on the reserve. The sculpture casts a moving shadow throughout the day and features daylight arcs representing the migration window.
Skein Dal – A new artwork on geese migration. Video: RSPB
Painted steps, RSPB Loch Leven Nature Reserve, Scotland, September 2023. Photo: Sam Turley (rspb-images.com
RSPB Loch Leven
Chris Rutterford, a top mural artist in Scotland, transformed three flights of stairs at RSPB Loch Leven with funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery Innovation Fund. The entrance is now a homage to the region’s three habitats: forestry, grassland and wetland. Watch our video, which explains more about Chris’s mural.
The story of Chris Rutterford’s mural on the steps at the Loch Leven nature reserve. Video: @RSPBvideo
A wooden sculpture of a Bittern by Gus Kitson. Photo: RSPB
RSPB Cors Ddyga
In contrast to the quiet lakes at RSPB Cors Ddyga, visitors might hear the booming call of the elusive Bittern. In July 2017, local chainsaw artist Gus Kitson, who has family connections to the reserve, crafted a Bittern sculpture for the opening of the reserve’s visitor trail to commemorate it becoming publicly accessible.
Surrounding the Bittern sculpture are four wooden posts inscribed with the Welsh children’s rhyme Deryn Y Bwn (Welsh for Bittern). The rhyme, which describes a Bittern buying apples at a market, is learned by many Welsh children, helping to make this secretive bird well known across the country.
Emily Williamson statue design. Photo: Andrew Simcock
Emily Williamson statue, Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury
Although not located on an RSPB nature reserve, the statue of Emily Williamson deserves a special mention. The hope is that it will inspire and educate all who visit her statue, as well as encourage reflection on the lasting impact that Emily made as an inspirational role model.
Emily fought against the cruel plumage trade and saved one million birds by founding the all-female Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889. The society was later known as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
To celebrate her legacy, a fundraising campaign is underway to create a statue that will be placed on the Alpine Terrace, located near Emily’s home. The home itself is about to be significantly renovated by Manchester City Council and potentially opened up to the public.
You can read about Emily, the statue campaign and more on the Emily Williamson Statue website, where you can also purchase a miniature version of the statue to help raise funds.
We hope you are inspired to explore an RSPB nature reserve, perhaps one you haven’t visited before. Discover not only the diverse wildlife but also the art and sculptures nestled within. The installations are thought-provoking, immersive, inspirational and sometimes a bit playful, but most importantly, they provide an opportunity to deepen your connection with nature.
