Notice: Making Space For Nature Exhibition At Leith Hill Place

Published on: 27 Apr, 2022
Updated on: 26 Apr, 2022

The Surrey Hills Society is holdng an exhibition of 30 illustrations of Surrey Hills indicator species at Leith Hill Place, in response to their Making Space for Nature project.

Barn owl, brown hairstreak butterfly and hazel dormouse in the Making Space for Nature exhibition at Leith Hill Place.

These 30 original artworks were specially commissioned by Surrey Hills Society and funded by Surrey Hills Trust Fund.

Gordon Jackson, chair of Surrey Hills Society and Surrey Hills Trust Fund said: “These beautifully detailed and keenly observed illustrations in acrylic and ink were conceived to support visual interpretation for the Making Space for Nature project. They have all been created by an artist as part of a prisoner rehabilitation programme.

“We are absolutely delighted that the National Trust has offered to display the originals, which we eventually hope to sell to raise funds towards the Society’s charitable purposes of promoting the positive enjoyment and care of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.”

Water vole and turtle dove at the Making Space for Nature exhibition at Leith Hill Place.

The 30 illustrations are directly inspired by the Surrey Hills Nature Recovery Strategy, a collaborative document with farmers and landowners designed to develop an approach to nature recovery.

The Making Space for Nature project promotes education, awareness, and a sense of purpose in the landscape. The aim is to encourage community support, connection to nature and inspire efforts towards the protection needed for these species to prosper.

Stephanie Fudge, General Manager of the Surrey Hills for the National Trust adds: “We are so pleased to host this exhibition for so many reasons. We are always looking at ways to engage new audiences and potential supporters of our natural and built heritage. It is after all being protected for everyone to enjoy.

“Our ambition of restoring a healthy and beautiful natural environment can only be achieved if we work across landscapes and with partner organisations, landowners, farmers and leisure users to come together under shared goals. The Making Space for Nature project is a wonderful example of these shared ambitions.”

The exhibition is open to the public now and is included with the purchase of an entry ticket to Leith Hill Place, free for National Trust Members.