Part of “The Bog Beings” series, created for an exhibition with The Peat Appreciation Society at Gibson Mill, a National Trust property nestled in the forest at the heart of Hardcastle Crags.

By studying the ecological characteristics of plants, I imagine who lives alongside them in Nature's unseen realms, communicating the indigenous worldview that Nature is animated by spirit. “The Bog Beings” is inspired by moorland restoration work and the "personalities" of the plant community.

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is an abundant plant on heathland, moorland and bogs. Like other members of the Ericaceae family, heather grows in acidic soils and has woody, coarse stems, which contrast with its delicate lilac flowers in summer. Historically, heather has been used for many purposes, such as to make brooms, which is how it got its Latin name; Calluna is derived from the Greek word “kallunein” meaning 'to brush' or ‘to sweep’. A common land management practice is heather burning, primarily used for managing red grouse habitats and sheep grazing. Burning promotes fresh growth of new shoots, palatable to grouse and deer, so is a traditional practice driven by those who pursue game hunting as a “sport”. Though this is now controversial, considering the long-term impacts on blanket bog ecosystems, carbon storage, and biodiversity. 

Here, Heather sweeps ashes to the chime of the gun cartridges she collected from the grouse moor.

Fine liner and watercolour.