The warmer days of early Summer have most of us creeping out of hibernation and feeling ready to enjoy some time out-and-about in the sun; and we’re not alone in this long-anticipated activity.
The countryside along with all the wildlife of the UK are energised by the longer days an balmier climate in June, and we will begin to see an influx of insects, a flurry of flora, boundless birds, and a multitude of mammals in our gardens and parks.
With the Stag Beetle rutting season starting in May, June is a great time to spot the species ‘in full swing’ before they disappear again in July. Hotspots in the UK are mainly confined to the South of England, with Sussex, Surrey and the New Forest being among the best places to see them. Skilled printmaker Guy Allen has created a remarkably detailed yet contemporary composition featuring a stag beetle etching on a circular litho printed background, embellished with gold leaf. Find the exquisite Stag Beetle Study on our online gallery.
Also, this month little owl chicks will start to venture out of their nests to stand on nearby branches - a practice known as ‘branching’ that you may be able to spot if you have the time and patience to quietly wait for them. Renowned sculptors Hamish Mackie and Adam Binder have both created a selection of impressive bronze sculpture which perceptively capture the essence and movement of the little owl.
Watch your step if you are heading into woodland for an evening walk or making the most of your garden after working hours as, at this time of the year, common toads start their annual migration away from their breeding ponds to hunt invertebrates under the cover of darkness.
Award winning artist Fred Gordon has sculpted a wonderfully warty, and well observed piece simply titled ‘Toad’, skilfully portraying this characterful amphibian species.
You can encourage nature on your own doorstep too. Why not place nest boxes for swifts, swallows, and house martins? If you love seeing the graceful sight of swifts in flight, or swooping swallows, you are sure to be enchanted by the collection of sculpture and original paintings inspired by these beautiful birds. Head over to our online gallery to browse a selection from artists including Josie Appleby, Sophie Louise White, Adam Binder, Hamish Mackie and Simon Gudgeon.
You could even plant some pollinator-friendly plants like buddleia, poppies, and yarrow, to provide a food source for bees and butterflies throughout the year, and help encourage an abundant and healthy ecosystem.
For those who can’t get enough of wildlife and the natural world, we have a whole host of other accomplished original artwork, limited edition prints, and sculpture depicting the beauty of nature in its various forms, from large scale seed sculpture by Geoff Jeal, through wild animal and insect interpretations by Guy Allen, Aaminah Snowdon, and Becky Mair, to attractive avian depictions from artists including Bev Davies, Adam Binder, Fred Gordon, and Josie Appleby.
