The SWLA will be running a weekend of events and activities focussing on art and nature. On Saturday, using Great Massingham Village Hall as a base, visitors can join naturalists and artists to explore the plants and creatures to be found in the meadows and ponds, with the option of drawing their wildlife encounters. On Sunday you can sign up to an art workshop with Chris Wallbank for the morning and then there will be a Meet the Artists Art Trail on Massingham Heath in the afternoon. Both days will have the opportunity to see work from the project in the Village Hall.

Explore and Draw

Are you interested in nature? Do you enjoy art? As part of the Society of Wildlife Artists Massingham Heath Project there will be a fun packed Explore and Draw day on Saturday 16th August in Great Massingham. Come along to find out more about the flowers and wildlife in this special part of Norfolk with expert naturalists Nick Acheson and Tim Baldwin and have a go at drawing what you find with help from artists from the Society of Wildlife Artists. There will be lots of free activities for everyone to enjoy with basic drawing materials provided. If you are an artist yourself, please join us and bring your own kit if preferred. If you don’t want to draw, just come along to explore the natural world with us. 

Moth Magic Come and see what moths make their home in the village with a moth trap session between 10–11am

Watery World Explore the underwater world of the ponds with pond dipping sessions (rainfall permitting)11.30am ‑1pm and 2.30−4 pm 

Meadow Safari Discover amazing plants and insects on mini meadow safaris with expert naturalists and join the artists in drawing what you find 11.30am- 1pm and 2.30 — 4 pm

The Explore and Draw event will have its hub at Great Massingham Village Hall. The hall will be open from 09.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from where you can collect a map with the locations for the activities around the village. In the hall there will be an exhibition on the history of the heath and work created that week by the team of SWLA artists as part of the ambitious SWLA Massingham Heath Project. The Explore and Draw activities are free to join but any donations will be appreciated.

Drawing in the Wild

On Sunday 17th August Chris Wallbank will lead a workshop Drawing in the Wild from 10am‑1.30pm. Join Chris to embark on a creative exploration of Great Massingham and its Biodiversity Project whilst being guided through a series of drawing approaches designed to stimulate observation and help us tune into our natural surroundings. During the 3 ½ hour session, Chris will introduce ways of drawing birds, insects, flora and landscape as we work to create our own artist’s book, which by the end of the session will be transformed into a personal narrative documenting the nature of Great Massingham.

Basic materials and paper will be provided. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring any drawing materials they like using, such as watercolour, as there will be an emphasis on working in mixed media.

Drawing in the Wild is suitable for adults aged 16 and over, including beginner to experienced artists, as well as nature lovers interested in drawing as a means to engage with the environment and see the natural world in a new way. Cost £25 per person limited to 15 places. To find out more and to book your place click here.

Meet the Artists Art Trail

Sunday August 17th Meet the Artists Art Trail on the Heath 2.00 – 4.30 p.m.

Follow the trail to meet up to a dozen artists at work. This is a lovely way to find out more about individual artists’ approaches to working in the field, whether creating finished pieces direct from life or as a way of informing their studio practice. Parking will be signed off Church Lane ½ mile north of the junction with Lynn Lane. What 3 Words ///broadcast.forest.dancer. All welcome