The Society of Wildlife Artists

The SWLA Massingham Heath Project will see over thirty of our member artists follow the seasons and changing flora, fauna and landscape of an exciting rewilding project in West Norfolk.

Landowner Oliver Birkbeck inherited the estate less than ten years ago, and set to work restoring former heathland and establishing species rich meadows on adjacent marginal land as part of his vision to help create a nature corridor on the farm. Starting with an initial 500 acres but now more than double that acreage, his initiative has seen amazing results in just eight years, with a remarkable number of plants returning from the dormant seedbank just waiting to germinate.

The restoration of Massingham Heath to its former glory, after 80 years of very poor crops since the wartime ‘dig for victory’ campaign, has occupied me for eight years. We had to hold its hand for the first few, but now it's become self-sustaining and all sorts of unexpected botanical and avian delights have arrived. I am thrilled that the SWLA will be on site at multiple points through the seasons to discover those delights.

Oliver Birkbeck

The project will run for a year beginning with a residency week from 7th – 14th May when a group of 18 artists will be staying at a glamping site on the Little Massingham Estate at close proximity to the heath. We are very grateful to Olly Birkbeck for welcoming the artists and making this accommodation available.

The project will culminate in a book, published in autumn 2026, with text from author, naturalist and Norfolk Wildlife Trusts Ambassador Nick Acheson who will be visiting the heath throughout the year to echo the artists’ involvement. 

During the May residency there will be a chance to meet the artists at work on the heath, an opportunity to watch art demonstrations from sculptor Simon Griffiths and printmaker Carry Akroyd, and there will be an exhibition of the work from the week with the artists on hand to talk about their time on site. 

May Residency artists include: Carry Akroyd, Richard Allen, Marco Brodde, Dan Cole, Brin Edwards, Johnnie Foker, Federico Gemma, Simon Griffiths, Amie Haslen, Kittie Jones, Wynona Legg, Melanie Mascarenhas, Harriet Mead, Bruce Pearson, Dafila Scott, Jane Smith, Chris Wallbank, Darren Woodhead

Saturday 10th May Meet the Artists at Work

Observation and drawing from life is at the heart of the SWLA. On Saturday 10th May follow the art trail on the heath where you can meet artists at work from 11am to 3pm. Parking will be signed off Church Lane ½ mile north of its junction with Lynn Lane, on the minor road between Great Massingham and Grimston, What 3 Words ///broadcast.forest.dancer Grid Reference: TF774228 All welcome.

Sunday 11th May Art Demonstrations

Simon Griffiths will be sculpting a tawny owl in clay in the morning from 10–12 noon. Simon’s beautiful sculptures capture the essence of his subjects, and his skilful use of matt oxides and subtle glazes bring them to life.

Carry Akroyd will demonstrate silkscreen printmaking from 2–4 pm. Carry will take you through the fascinating process of creating her gorgeous screen prints. 

Please book online for Simon Griffiths here or and Carry Akroyd here or email swlafriends@​gmail.​com These events are at the Wedding Barn on the Little Massingham Estate accessed from Church Lane at What 3 Words ///handlebar.quibble.listening Grid Reference: TF772227 Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Wednesday 14th May Exhibition and Reception

Wednesday 14th May, there will be an exhibition and reception at the Wedding Barn from 4 to 8pm. All of the work from the week will be on display and you will be able to talk with the artists about what they have produced. Author and naturalist Nick Acheson will say a few words about the importance of the restored heath and the project. All are welcome, it will be signed off Church Lane ½ mile north of its junction with Lynn Lane, on the minor road between Great Massingham and Grimston. The entrance track for the Wedding Barn is at What 3 Words ///handlebar.quibble.listening Grid Reference: TF772227

This is a very ambitious project involving multiple visits from a pool of 35 volunteer artists throughout the year and culminating in a major book and exhibitions. The SWLA is enormously grateful to donors and the local community for their generosity and help but the project requires further funding. If you wish to support us please donate here. Thank you.