Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is set to host an exhibition of wildlife paintings, including a number of specially commissioned pictures of its nature reserves, by popular local artist Mike Warren at its Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford later this month.
The exhibition, which runs from Saturday 27 August to Saturday 3 September, will mark a welcome return to the reserve for Mike, a longstanding member of the Trust and President of Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers.
Mike, an early member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, has exhibited across the world but much of his work has centred the wildlife found in the Trent Valley close to his home in Winthorpe – all captured in his unique and popular style.
Mike’s passion for birds shines through in his work, and as one of the premier birdwatching locations in the region, the huge Idle Valley Nature Reserve makes a perfect backdrop for this event. The exhibition will be hosted in the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre at the southern end of the reserve off North Road (B638) less than 2 miles from the centre of Retford.
With a café, shop and stunning views over the reserve, the centre is an ideal spot to showcase the work of such a celebrated local artist
Speaking ahead of the event, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Head of Communications Erin McDaid said: “Mike has been a great friend to the Trust over many years and it is always a delight to welcome him back to exhibit his stunning work. Mike’s style really captures the essence of a place and his use of colour is wonderful. We hope lots of people take the opportunity to combine attending the exhibition with a chance to explore Idle Valley Nature Reserve before many of our summer migrant birds depart. ”
"Mike has been a great friend to the Trust over many years and it is always a delight to welcome him back to exhibit his stunning work."Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Following the charity’s appeal for funds to support the care of its ancient woodlands across the county earlier this year, Mike was inspired to create a selection of new paintings featuring the Trust’s woodland sites. As a result, a percentage of sales will support the management of its nature reserves and its wider conservation work.
Speaking about the new works Mike said: “My new paintings of woodland have taken me to fresh locations in the county as well as old, the woods providing a contrast in habitat and species to my more regular birding in Trent Valley wetlands”.
Last year, the charity welcomed hundreds of visitors to a special exhibition of postcard artwork created by people across the UK and beyond during lockdown and the event attracted many first-time visitors to the reserve. The Trust hopes Mike’s exhibition will also encourage more people to visit.
Erin explained: “We are so lucky to have a natural gem like Idle Valley Nature Reserve here in Nottinghamshire, but it remains something of an undiscovered gem. Last year’s show featuring ‘lockdown’ postcard designs brought many new people to the reserve and we hope Mike’s exhibition does too. We are really looking forward to welcoming Mike back to Idle Valley and would encourage people to view the stunning pictures before grabbing a drink or bite to eat and then taking in the reserves wonderful views and wildlife.”
The exhibition will take place at the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre, which also has a welcoming café and shop, from Saturday 27th August to Saturday 3rd September between 10am and 3pm each day.
For more details visit our event page for this exhibition.
For a list of our upcoming events, see our event list.
For more information Idle Valley Nature Reserve visit our reserve information page.
