Wild Life Drawing Online: Water Voles

Is it a rat, is it a mole? No, it’s a sweet little water vole! We’re excited to be teaming up with People’s Trust for Endangered Species for another online session, this time to learn about these delightful native animals, which are the focus of the charity's Autumn appeal this year. Being small and rather unassuming animals, water voles don’t get as much appreciation as we think they deserve for their important role in the ecosystem. Like beavers, water voles are semi-aquatic mammals. By burrowing into the earth around river banks, these little engineers help keep our wetlands healthy, increasing biodiversity and helping plants to grow. 

To learn more about these humble heroes, for this session we will be joined online by  Emily Sabin who is PTES’ water vole officer. Emily will teach us all sorts of fascinating facts about the species as well as telling us about her work as an ecological consultant. The class will be hosted by nature artist Laura Cuppage, who will begin with a detailed drawing demonstration, focusing on the anatomical features of water voles. The class is open to people of all artistic abilities- whether you’re a dab hand or an absolute beginner, with a bit of creative guidance we will have you sketching away in no time! The basic materials you need to take part are paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener, but of course you are more than welcome to work in whatever materials you prefer. And just so you know, we will send out a recording of the session to all ticket holders after it takes place, so you can rewatch as many times as you like! 

50% of profits will be donated to People's Trust for Endangered Species.