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We are a week away from the publication of a major report into the global loss of nature – the first comprehensive overview for more than a decade about global biodiversity and the contributions of nature to people. The Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services will be considered by representatives of 130 Governments in May.

Sir Robert Watson, Chair of the convening Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warns: “The loss of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity is already a global and generational threat to human well-being. Protecting the invaluable contributions of nature to people will be the defining challenge of decades to come.”

The report, to be published on 6 May 2019, is expected to highlight the threat to humans if the devastation of nature continues. “I want people to know that nature is really important, and we shouldn’t destroy it, and it is absolutely essential to food, water and energy security,” said Sir Robert Watson. Some might say that nature is important anyway, not just as a ‘service’ provider for humans.

The arrival of our summer migrants, the cuckoo, swallows and swifts, remind us how globally interlinked we are. Advances in science mean we can now track birds on migration. PJ, The Kings Forest cuckoo, arrived back in Suffolk on 25^th April having spent our winter in Angola. Several tagged cuckoos are still making their way through Spain and France. What do cuckoos eat?

Insects?

What has that got to do with Waveney & Blyth Arts?

We launch, in May, Bugs & Blossoms our programme of events exploring, celebrating and promoting action for our plants and insects. See our Bugs & Blossoms page for details of walks, talks, workshops and exhibitions.

The global dimension of the loss of nature can make it feel impossible, as an individual, to make a difference. But Waveney & Blyth Arts likes a challenge. Let’s make our two river valley landscapes, inspiring nature rich places to live and work. What can we, as artists, do to bring people closer to nature, to inspire action and to help reverse the decline in nature locally.

Join us at one or more of our events and share your thoughts and ideas. Let’s bring Bugs & Blossoms back.

 

This year Waveney & Blyth Arts is the beneficiary of the Pakefield Postcard Auction. We are delighted to be chosen and to confirm that monies raised will go towards Bugs and Blossoms, our new themed activities.

Our native insects and plants are in catastrophic decline. Recent reports have shown how many species are disappearing. Our children will not have the rich and diverse landscapes of their parents and grandparents’ generations, nor the vocabulary that goes with them.  We are losing the intricate mix of species that gave the natural world such richness and inspired poets, artists and writers.

In response, Waveney & Blyth Arts is launching Bugs and Blossoms, using the creative arts to celebrate our native insects and plants, but also to inspire people to notice what we have, understand what we are losing, and take action.

We will be promoting lots of events and activities over the next few years inspiring people to take action to protect wildlife under this umbrella title of ‘Bugs and Blossoms’.

We do not receive any regular grants so have to generate income through event charges and membership fees to cover our costs, and the general overheads of a small organisation. Without the time and effort donated by many committed volunteers none of this would happen, but we still need cash, too!

We are really grateful to all the artists who donate their original artwork to the auction, and recognise that this is a very generous gesture to support W&BA. The artwork is of a very high standard and over 100 individual pieces have been donated in previous years.

This is a last reminder, if you have not already done so, to please consider submitting a postcard sized artwork to this year’s auction and to help raise money for Bugs and Blossoms. To find out how to submit, contact Ferini Art Gallery – Pakefield. The opening hours are 11am- 4pm Fri/Sat/Sun 01502-562222 or email:

[email protected]

The closing date is 28th April 2019 so still a month for creative inspiration. You can create whatever you like on your postcard – submit a painting, pen and ink, pencil sketch, cartoon, textile, poem etc etc. It must fit within the dimensions of a postcard (6 x 4 inches) – oh and it doesn’t have to feature bugs and blossoms – they are just the beneficiaries!  

If you don’t feel artistic, then put the auction date in your diary and come along and support us by bidding for your favourite(s).

The live auction is on August 14^th @ 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm at The Hotel Victoria. Look out for details on our website.

All the Bugs and Blossoms events will be featured in our brochure Celebrating Waveney & Blyth 2019 which will be available from at Palgrave, in the Ferini Gallery and elsewhere from Easter onwards. There will be a Launch Weekend (24 – 27 May) at Palgrave, near the source of the Waveney, with a talk and workshop on nature photography by leading BBC wildlife photographer Nick Upton, plus a walk inspired by the writings of Roger Deakin around Mellis, an art exhibition, sculpture workshops and a film. Over the summer there will be themed walks, Meadows Open Days with artists and writers, and an event focusing on moths and butterflies at Geldeston Locks.

Please join in and do your bit for nature. Be inspired to create artwork or create habitat and let’s make sure the Waveney and Blyth River Valleys are still buzzing with life.