Bringing wildlife to children

Ian Griffiths is launching A Robin’s Song, an appeal set up by the Cornwall-based wildlife artist to raise money for Hospice South-West and particularly for the Little Harbour hospice in St Austell. Revenues from the project will help to fund the provision of habitats, including a wildflower meadow, along with nest boxes, feeding stations and other features to attract wildlife, as well as raise much-needed funds to help with the running costs of the hospices in general.

There will be a major auction of artworks on 3 November at the Merchant House Hotel, Falmouth Road, Truro, Cornwall. Bidding starts at 3 pm, but the artwork can be viewed from 1 pm. Postal bids can be made via the dedicated website. There is no reserve, so bidders may well bag a great bargain.

More than 300 works have been donated by almost 150 artists worldwide, reflecting an exceptional variety of styles and media. The wildlife and landscape art on sale includes originals, prints, sculptures, ceramics, books and fabrics. Contributing artists range from household names to those just starting out.

The art will be on show at three exhibitions prior to the auction: Truro Cathedral (16-30 September), Wheal Martyn in St Austell (3-14 October) and at Ian’s studio in Helston (18-30 October). Some of the events will include talks by leading naturalists, demonstrations by artists and the opportunity to talk about the work of the artists, volunteers and the hospice.

Ian, whose nine-year-old son has a life-limiting illness, explains: “My wife Lizzie and I regularly take our daughter Alice and son Thomas to Little Harbour near St Austell in Cornwall. Here, and previously at Little Bridge House in Devon, we have benefited greatly from the wonderful facilities, care and support on offer.

“As a full-time wildlife artist, I know the life-enhancing benefits and pleasure that the natural world can bring to people of all ages – especially children. The song of a Robin or the sight of butterflies among wildflowers can do so much. Unfortunately, although there is an abundance of wildlife in the area around Little Harbour, there is little in the grounds themselves or near the building.

“We intend to approach suppliers and manufacturers of wildlife feeders, nestboxes, plants, feed, cameras and so on for the project. It would be nice to be able to have cameras connected to a screen in the hospice building. We have identified two feeding areas which are visible from as many of the children’s rooms as possible. There will be natural planted corridors to the feeders. We will also be creating a wildflower meadow to attract butterflies and other insects.”

Visit the A Robin's Song website for further details.