Birds & Our Changing Galloway Landscape

The acclaimed artist Donald Watson lived for most of his professional life in St Johns Town of Dalry. From his studio there he travelled around the area recording and taking notes on the landscapes he observed. His illustrations and artwork give a tantalising glimpse into the changing landscapes of the Galloway through the 20th century.

This free online event, in partnership with the volunteers from the Watson Bird Project, will consider how Donald Watson’s artwork can identify changes in our landscape and what this means for our local bird life and other species. The event will also introduce the work now underway to better highlight Donald Watson’s life and work locally, including the publishing of a trail of the locations used through the paintings.

Online Event 7.30pm 14 April

To book your free place, click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birds-and-our-changing-landscape-tickets-136424317807.

The event will be on the Zoom platform, log in details will be sent out automatically by Eventbrite a couple of hours before the event. Please check your spam box as sometimes these auto messages end up there!

Professor Roger Crofts is leading the work of the Watson Bird Project. Ahead of the online event on the 14^th of April, Roger said:

“The two trails being established will help people to see the landscape through Donald’s artistic eyes as well as through their own eyes, ears, cameras and words.”

The event will be hosted by Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer. Nick added:

“Donald Watson was a remarkable artist who illustrated the landscape of the area at a time of great change, his works as well as having immense artistic merit also offer us a glimpse to a time, not so long ago, when biodiversity was richer. Chris Rollie and Roger Crofts, who will be presenting on this subject, have detailed knowledge of both the artist and the wildlife he captured.”