I was one of 21 invited artists who contributed to The Hogback Hills, which explored the geological, ecological and human story of Hanter Hill, Worsell Wood and Stanner Rocks.
The area, on the mid-Wales/England border, contains remnants of Pre-Cambrian volcanoes and some of the oldest rocks in Wales including Stanner Rock, home to the elusive Radnor Lily.
I spent the first weekend of 2024 walking in Worsell Woods as well as Stanner Rocks, exploring as much as possible. With limited time, it was important to get a sense of the ecology of this particular area and the ‘feel’ of the hills and how the underlying geology informs what thrives on the surface. I wanted to discover the different inhabitants in this area, in a variety of habitats including mixed woodland with some striking examples of oak, ash and birch.
I have had a long interest in the work of naturalist Gilbert White and prior to visiting Stanner, I had visited his home in Selborne near the South Downs. His important work observing and documenting birds, their behaviour and associated ecology have inspired many. During lockdown, and on daily walks, I became especially interested in the birdlife of the surrounding woods at home and in particular, how I encountered and recorded them; not just their identification but also their behaviours. In short, I noticed ‘more’. I thought about how we observe and record – what do we actually notice, what can we retain, especially when walking?
This turned my thoughts to our relationship to what we refer to as ‘nature’ and the fragility of ecological systems. Walking the Hogback Hills revealed the eons of deep time in the geological make up of the Stanner complexes, expressed against the short, thin veil of our own existence and impact we are now enacting on the planet.
A series of bird drawings formed part of the exhibition which ran from 18th July – 28th September.
Hogback Hills – Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, LD8 2LL
paul newman 