Save The Darwin Oak

In support to all things that I care passionately about regarding nature, wildlife, eco systems, bio diversity, climate change and history, I went along to 'Paint to Save the Darwin Oak'. A positive protest against the NWRR ( north west relief road) proposal set to destroy over 4km of hedgerow, over one thousand of our trees, some being very old veteran oak trees and one in particular named as the Darwin Oak which is 550 years old. This takes us back in history to 1483, the Princes in the Tower were being murdered by Richard III and this is around the time when this Oak tree germinated from an Acorn.
Charles Darwin was born nearby at The Mount in Shrewsbury and as a young boy, Charles Darwin would have know this tree, by this time it was around 350 years old. Darwin used to walk along the River Severn, around the lanes and the fields of Shelton Rough. He didn't enjoy school particularly and preferred to be out in the countryside, collecting fossils and was already building his knowledge and love of natural history.
Our ancient and native trees need to be protected!

So with a flask of coffee, plenty of warm layers, sketch books, paints etc packed for we headed to the Darwin Oak for a few hours. It was a very cold and damp, slightly drizzly morning, but that didn't stop artists from attending. There were artists both professional and amateur that were creating art, every media from oil on canvas, pencil drawings to ceramic/pottery.
I find it so difficult to understand how the backward thinking council can give this the go ahead in this century! What is wrong with them? Anyway, I won't keep ranting...I'll try not to soap box too much!
I shall now be taking a few months to produce a piece of art work that will hopefully be exhibited at the Bear Steps Art Gallery in March.
I'm thrilled to see Chris Packham (whom I admire very much and I'm a top fan of his!) and Bianca Jagger are also behind this this campaign.

https://www.change.org/p/save-the-darwin-oak