This year’s annual exhibition by the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) at Mall Galleries will be the first public showing of work by 30 artists who are taking part in a year-long project capturing the natural evolution of Massingham Heath, between Fakenham and King’s Lynn.

Launched in May 2025, the SWLA Massingham Heath Project has brought together the society’s artists to document the seasons, wildlife and transformation of Massingham Heath in collaboration with landowner Olly Birkbeck, director of the Little Massingham Estate.

Since taking over the estate in 2017, the naturalist has restored more than 1,000 acres of heathland in a bid to reverse biodiversity and soil health declines attributed to years of intensive farming, after the land was ploughed up to feed the nation during the wartime “Dig for Victory” campaign.

Now it is once again teeming with rare wildflowers and animal life.

Massingham Heath field margin, by Brin Edwards(Image: Brin Edwards)

As part of the process, Konik ponies, Bagot goats and Tamworth pigs have been introduced to the rewilding zone and play an important role in the land’s recovery – churning soil, disturbing vegetation and restoring natural processes.

Through their close observation and fieldwork, the artists have not only recorded the landscape’s evolution, but have also discovered new and returning species – including rare orchids and the dingy skipper butterfly.

Wildlife artist Kittie Jones at work on Massingham Heath(Image: Society of Wildlife Artists)

In fact, it was SWLA artist Chris Wallbank who spotted the first pyramidal orchid to return to Massingham Heath, after an absence of decades, while “drawing in a field of wild flowers” in June this year.

With the exceptional conditions required for these orchids to thrive, their appearance was considered a “powerful symbol of rewilding success”.

The SWLA says the artwork offers a “unique perspective on the role of artists, whether in their powerful work or sensitive observational abilities, in raising awareness of rewilding, biodiversity and climate change”.

Massingham hare, by Richard Allen(Image: Richard Allen)

SWLA president Harriet Mead said: “We’re thrilled to be showing work from the SWLA Massingham Heath Project at this year’s exhibition – a powerful example of how artists can raise awareness of vital issues such as biodiversity loss, rewilding and climate change.

“By spending time immersed in the landscape over the course of a year, our artists have captured subtle seasonal shifts and the quiet return of wildlife to restored habitats.

“The continuity of multiple visits to a relatively small project area brings into focus the importance of these spaces within productive agricultural land, and I hope it will inspire other landowners to follow Olly’s lead.

“Artists within the SWLA regularly involve themselves in projects like this – whether it’s supporting endangered species, restoring habitats, or working alongside conservation organisations.

“The society brings attention to lesser-known causes in British wildlife through the power of art – recording, responding to and raising awareness of the natural world and the challenges it faces.”

Massingham Heath, by Dan Cole(Image: Dan Cole)

The Natural Eye 2025 exhibition takes place from October 16-25 at Mall Galleries, The Mall, London. As well as showcasing The SWLA Massingham Heath Project, it will also celebrate the very best fine art inspired by the natural world, with over 300 works by leading British wildlife artists.

The majority of work will be available for sale, ranging from painting and sculpture, to original prints and field sketches.

For more details see www.mallgalleries.org.uk/exhibitions-events/society-wildlife-artists-natural-eye-2025.

Massingham butterflies, by Richard Allen(Image: Richard Allen)

Goshawk chasing woodpigeon, by Darren Woodhead(Image: Darren Woodhead)

Dexter cows, sketches by Federico Gemma(Image: Federico Gemma)