In 2015, we began restoring a small wildflower meadow from a former construction waste site on our smallholding. During the C19 pandemic, I spent most days seeking solace in the meadow, which focused my attention on the role of nature in wellbeing, regeneration, and repair. I started researching the role of meadow habitats in biodiversity and climate repair. Alarmed that we have lost 97% of native wildflower meadows in the UK since the 1940s, I have been learning all that I can about the fragility and climate solutions inherent in species-rich grasslands.

From April 2020 to Spring 2021 I made a series of Lockdown Studies, using materials found and collected during the meadow restoration project. I found that the longer we followed social distance rules, the more staying engaged with these materials kept me grounded. Working steadily on a small scale was instructive, allowing me to cycle through concept, failure, and resolution nimbly and quickly. There was agency and satisfaction in the process at a time when much was out of our control.

In March 2021, I approached PlantLife UK to learn more about meadow conservation on a larger scale. Through self-funded research (site visits, meadowmaker interviews, webinars, volunteer work) with PlantLife UK, Moor Meadows Dartmoor, Glorious Cotswold Grasslands, and Poplar Farm near Bath, I have been immersed in learning how to regenerate and manage these ecosystems.

A correlated theme has emerged from my research around the idea of empathy for nature. In addition to our meadow project, my personal experience of feeling deep compassion for vanishing species led to me take action on nature’s behalf: I host a trans-Atlantic Reading Circle for the All We Can Save Project and I’m helping to launch a local Bath/Bristol group for More Meadows (a UK-wide advocacy group to support and educate meadowmakers).

There is growing evidence that ‘nature connectedness’ is a pathway to climate action and repair. The University of Derby Nature Connectedness Research Group is partnering with national nature conservation NGOs to develop programming based on this idea.

These inputs and experiences have significantly impacted my practice. My interest is in developing audience experiences that spark empathy and wonder as possible catalysts for curiosity and action on nature’s behalf. This groundwork is the basis for a new body of work, MeadowMaker, that I am now developing.