English Nature

English Nature is the government agency for the conservation of wildlife and geology.

Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve, probably bettern known as Thorne & Hatfield Moors, is the most extensive remnant of raised lowland bog in England, covering about 3000 hectares. Although partly worked commercially for peat until recently, the site still comprises a range of wetland habitats that support a huge variety of wildlife, and work is underway to restore the exploited areas.

For more information about English Nature, see www.english-nature.org.uk

The brief

English Nature was looking for an artist with an interest in working with the landscape, the external environment, environmental issues or wildlife in some way. The artist was expected to draw upon the resources provided by the Reserve in developing their creative practice.

English Nature is keen to improve the links between the local communities and the work that is going on at the Reserve. The artist was expected to raise the profile of the Reserve by creating work that would bring a new perspective and understanding to some aspect of the landscape or wildlife.

There is no exhibition requirement, but the selected artist is expected to document the progress of the bursary, and to provide visual material suitable for display.

Suraya displayed her work in progress at the offices of English Nature in Wakefield on Friday 22 July. For more information and images see suraya

For details of previous work see Suraya Raja

The artist