People eagerly awaiting the return of the distinctive call of the curlew to the uplands are invited to enjoy a new art exhibition celebrating the bird and its moorland habitat.
Richmond-based artist Sally Zaranko is exhibiting dozens of lino-cut prints at Yoredale, the offices of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in Bainbridge.
The exhibition, titled More than Moors, is the result of two years spent observing curlews in their natural environment.
Sketches made in the field were later developed in the studio to create a striking collection inspired by the bird and the landscapes it depends on.
Moorland — much of it blanket peat bog — makes up more than 40 per cent of the land area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and provides vital habitat for the UK’s breeding population of curlew.
Each year, the birds can usually be seen and heard returning from coastal areas to the Dales’ uplands from early February to breed.
Sally said: “Moors, like any other habitats, cannot survive in isolation. The ‘More than Moors’ exhibition aims to connect people to these special places and, through that connection, to encourage a commitment to help preserve and look after them.
“It feels particularly fitting to exhibit at Yoredale, the headquarters of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which works to conserve this beautiful national park.”
Neil Heseltine, member champion for promoting understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, added:
“My thanks to Sally Zaranko for helping us make Yoredale a welcoming place for members of the public and for sharing her artistic response to the moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
“At this time of year, many of us are longing to hear the call of the curlew again, joyfully signalling that spring is near. This exhibition will help increase understanding of the needs of the curlew and other moorland birds, such as ring ouzels.”
More than Moors is a free exhibition, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, until the end of March.
The postcode for the Yoredale offices in Bainbridge is DL8 3EL.
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