Wild Life Drawing Online: Hedgerows

How much do you know about hedgerows? While they may be easily overlooked, these habitat corridors are teeming with life and have a value disproportionate to the amount of land they occupy. They comprise a wide range of flora: flowering and fruiting woody plants, scramblers like honeysuckle and bramble, grasses, wildflowers and ancient woodland indicators, all overtopped by grand hedgerow trees. They provide shelter and food to a plethora of fauna, including hedgehogs (the clue is in the name), dormice, native and migratory birds and countless pollinating insects. 

Hedgerows have had it tough over the last seventy years. The traditional practice of hedge laying is becoming less common, and poor management is causing a decline in the condition of many existing hedgerows. All the while, scientists continue to learn more and more about how incredibly important these habitats are! 

Who better to join us for this class than self-professed 'hedgerow geek' Megan Gimber? With her detailed knowledge and boundless enthusiasm, Megan’s role at PTES takes her up and down the country to run workshops with farmers, landowners and policymakers to raise the profile of the humble hedge. A key part of her work is to highlight the huge benefits that healthy hedgerows have to agriculture, like providing shelter to animals and crops, and reducing soil erosion and pollution. 

The class will be led by artist and illustrator Jennie Webber, who will guide you through the process of composing a hedgerow artwork comprised of a variety of foliage, mammals and insects. We will aim to create full page drawings that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of these slender habitats. As the session progresses Jennie and Megan will discuss all things hedgerow, and there will be plenty of time to ask your questions. All abilities are welcome to join the session, and there will be plenty of creative guidance throughout. We will draw from references for this one, and a chunky pack of images will be sent to you prior to the class. 

Before the class you’ll need to get your hands on some paper, a pencil, and any other materials you might like to work with. We will email you beforehand with a Zoom link and some instructions. As with all our classes, we will send out a recording afterwards to all ticket holders so you can catch up/ rewatch as many times as you like. 

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