Painting update

The painting is almost done!  I'll be putting the finishing touches to it while I'm in residency at the Bevere Art Gallery this week - please come along and see how I'm getting on and have a chat.

We're currently thinking about finding somewhere to display the painting once it's done so if you don't get chance to come and see it this week, we'll let you know where to see it in the future.

Valerie

Silent auction update

Just a quick note to update you on the progress of my painting for the silent auction.

I'm really enjoying researching the wildlife for the vignettes.  Learning about noble chafers was fascinating and I hadn't realised there were perry pears in Tiddesley's orchard.

The painting is coming on well and I'm hoping to finish it off by the time I'm in residence at the Bevere Gallery between 20th & 28th August.

It would be nice to meet some of you at the gallery and I do hope you'll bid on the painting and help raise funds for the Trust.

If you'd like to place a bid you can either email silent-bid@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org or send it to Sian Bakewell, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ.

Thank you
Valerie

Have you seen this bug?

This vivid red and black hairy plant bug used to be restricted to a few places on the south coast of England but it's now on the move.  

Corisuz hyoscyami (c) Oliver Wadsworth

Worcestershire is being invaded and we would like records please, preferably with a  picture.  

In the last few weeks we have seen them at Hill Court Farm (Longdon),  Trench Wood, Chaddesley Wood and in Redditch so it could turn up anywhere.  Several have been seen on thistles.  The bug feeds on plant juices by sticking its long mouth parts into the stems.    

We've only around ten records over the last couple of years so this is a real newcomer - please keep a look-out and let us know if you see any.  If you could email your sighting and any photos to wendy@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org in the first place that would really help us out.

Many thanks

Harry