Every month knowledgeable Friends’ volunteers spend a day in the Gooders Hide, showing members of the public the varied birdlife visible from the hide. There are binoculars and telescopes on hand for a closer look, and experts to explain what to look out for.
Some months, there will also be additional volunteers, with a telescope, outside the Discovery Centre.
We have been working hand in hand with the management team at the Discovery Centre to create a new focal point for local artists within the centre, which has so far raised over £4000 for the Reserve.
The new Art Wall was generously donated by committee member and wildlife artist James Tomlinson.
The wall has been carefully designed so it doesn’t affect the wood cladding of the centre but will provide a good and well-lit hanging space for artwork.
The Art Wall features work from well-known professional artists and from keen and talented amateurs, providing an ever-changing display of exciting nature-based art inspired by the Reserve.
Artists who have exhibited so far, include: Robert Greenhalf, Cliff Dean, James Tomlinson, Stephen Message, Peter Greenhalf, Anna Wilson Patterson, Annie Soudain, Robbie Gooders, Jillian Eldridge, Louisa Crispin, Jane Beecham, Siobhan O’Hanlan, Denise Franklin, Karl Terry, Joanna Terry
The Art Wall was refurbished in January 2024 ready for water colours by Kathleen Loughton-Mead and wildlife photography by Howard Kearley.
We hope you’ll drop in to see the exhibitions.
Exhibitors for the Art Wall have been booked in for the next 12 months, but you are welcome to apply to exhibit here. The criteria are that you are inspired by the reserve, or create artwork on, or about the reserve.
If you would like to exhibit, please download the Art Wall Application and FAQ, then complete and return your form to the Art Wall team at: avocetgallery@gmail.com or to the Discovery Centre marked “Art Wall”. (You can read the FAQs here).
If you are chosen to exhibit you will be sent an Artists’ Pack containing all the details you will need in order to exhibit.