Heritage researcher Mel Tuckett delves into a new addition to the North East Nature Archive
As part of the Gosforth’s Wild Web Project, we are very proud to have received a donation of the most personal and beautiful nature journal. In response to calls for people to create their own A-Z of nature, NHSN member Dick Gilhespy has, in his own words, “had a go” at creating a record of the birds, plants, amphibians and insects he sees around the Gosforth area. Yet his pencil drawings and intimate observations speak of so much more than having “had a go.”
‘B for Blackbird’ introduces us to Spot, a resident in Dick’s garden.
We find out that he’s become so at home after three years, that if Dick has forgotten to feed him, he jumps onto the back door handle and rattles it with his bill. The lovely sketch of Spot brilliantly captures the glint in his eye and makes clear the connection and respect that Dick feels for him.
‘K for Kingfisher’ similarly reveals the character and presence of this most stunning of birds.
Dick points out that a kingfisher’s distinctive whistling call is a good way to know that this often shy bird is around. He advises us that the best places he visits to see them are Gosforth Nature Reserve and Jesmond Dene.
Dick’s journal really captures all that the Gosforth’s Wild Web project is hoping to do. It encourages everyone to notice the wildlife around them and celebrate the special joy of local nature. Everyone is invited to create their own A-Z, and the choice of how to do it is yours – to draw, paint, photograph or collage. Use this link to find out more: www.nhsn.org.uk/get-involved-with-gosforths-wild-webs-a-zs/
You can also share your finds and sightings using inaturalist or irecord. These records are really important in helping to build a picture of the wildlife in your local area. It’s your way of making a difference and protecting North East nature.
Dick’s stunning book is an inspiration. It’s clear in this dedicated work that Dick values the role of nature in his life, and in it he shows us how being in touch with nature can bring such satisfaction and wellbeing. NHSN’s project Nature’s Cure in Time of Need is seeking to gather new voices like Dick’s which speak about the everyday enjoyment of nature in the North East; if you would like to add your voice to our project, please get in touch by email or through the website. We would love to hear about what nature means to you, so please do share your passion with us.
We are thrilled to be able to include Dick’s work in our North East Nature Archive where it will find a place alongside other important nature journal writers from the North East. You can find out about some of these through our blog – where we’ve written in the past about figures like the talented illustrator and naturalist David Green, and nature writer, teacher and birdwatcher Kathleen Barratt – and which we’ll be updating regularly with treasures from our archival collections.
We hope that Dick Gilhespy’s journal inspires you to get out and connect with nature in your area. There’s so much beauty to be found within easy reach, and we’d love to hear what North East nature means to you.
Mel Tuckett is a Heritage Researcher at NHSN, working on the North East Nature Archive and the Nature’s Cure project. She is also a long-serving volunteer at Gosforth Nature Reserve, and holds an MA in English from Newcastle University.
Dick Gilhespy is a local naturalist. He carries out wildlife surveys for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, and Northumbrian Water. He enjoys sketching anything of interest while out and about, including birds, dragonflies, butterflies, trees and plants. He is on Twitter at @citybirding1
