Hope Cottage Botanical Arts

09/09/2026

I can't quite believe I'm writing this, being selected as a finalist for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026 and being amongst the finest wildlife artists in the world, felt like a total dream come true. And to exhibit at the prestigious Mall galleries is a real career and life changing moment.
The work in the show was incredible, I don't think it had really hit me until | saw everyone's exceptional work and I feel truly honoured to hang amongst them.
BUT ..to then receive a 'Highly Commended' from the judges was just the best feeling. Justification for my 'artistic madness' the days in my freezing cold studio in fingerless gloves and 2 coats!!! It's made me feel so inspired to keep going, push on and see where else this crazy art journey takes me! If you've read on this far and followed me for the journey thank you so much.
The other wonderful element of taking part in this exhibition is being a small part of this incredible organisation who do so much to protect and promote wildlife conservation and I'm very proud to play my teeny tiny part.
I'm hugely grateful to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation for this very special opportunity.
Now to scuttle back to Suffolk and the studio and ....Who knows what's next!!!!

01/09/2026

I’m so proud of this piece and where it has taken me. From its sad recovery, my diy PPE ! The careful handling, the challenging casting, the post cast sculpting. ‘Be still my beating heart’ became a fitting memorial to this majestic raptor. This Friday I take it to London to be part of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the year awards DSWF WAY26. And for it to be exhibited at Mall Galleries ! The piece is now online to buy (feels crazy) and voting is also now live, so if you like the look of my journey please vote for me at The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Thank you

19/08/2026

Off to Framlingham today
‘’ Moon pennies and Nans lace’
A layered plaster piece of Honesty and old lace .
While the plant is officially known as "honesty" due to its see-through pods that "honestly" reveal the seeds inside, "moon pennies" was a popular folk name used by rural communities. It perfectly captured how the plant looked in the winter frost: like a scattering of glowing, metallic coins dropped from the night sky.

16/08/2026

16/08/2026

THIS COMING FRIDAY

JUST A FEW SPACES LEFT -

Now open to everyone in Norfolk and Suffolk and just £40 !!!

Take advantage of this highly discounted workshop due to brilliant funding from The National Lottery

Run on behalf of Brecks LP for the Brecks outdoor festival at the Engine house, Brandon country park.

Friday 21st August 2026

A full days workshop of creativity using plants and flowers growing wild in the Breckland landscape , then cast into plaster to take home.

Link in comments to book.

13/08/2026

That’s a wrap for the Early Summer workshops as I’ll be moving over to Late Summer ones from this Saturday. There has been some beautiful work and beautiful people at my Summer venues.

10/08/2026

LAST FEW PLACES LEFT…

Live or near the ‘The Brecks’ ?

Take advantage of this highly discounted workshop due to brilliant funding from The National Lottery

Run on behalf of Brecks LP for the Brecks outdoor festival at the Engine house, Brandon country park.

Friday 21st August 2026

A full days workshop of creativity using plants and flowers growing wild in the Breckland landscape , then cast into plaster to take home.

Link in comments to book -this is heavily discounted and expected to book super fast.

01/08/2026

Now the initial shock has dissipated and property is safe, the devastation of wildlife and nature loss from the wildfire becomes stark. Dunwich Heath and the woodlands around it was always a place of escapism for us, especially during Covid. Tommy first learnt to jump on his little bike there and so many walks were taken over its changing scenery. I was also in conversation with about bringing my casting workshops to this beautiful part of the coast. For someone who works everyday absorbing, recreating and preserving nature this reaches deep and It’s heartbreaking 💔
RSPB Minsmere.

27/07/2026

What a beautiful soul passed over to the big bird hide in the sky. A huge influence on my young nature journey .

Oddie’s agent paid tribute to the ‘Springwatch’ presenter’s ‘intelligence’ and ‘wit’