Spring tree trip to Dumfries and Galloway

There’s a moment I love in spring, just before the leaves fill out, when the sun actually feels warm again and the birds are turning up the volume. That’s my favourite time to draw in the woods.

This year I spent a week in Dumfries and Galloway, searching out steep alder pastures and ancient hidden oaks, generously guided by some knowledgeable and passionate women who work with trees.

Since there are now about 500 more photos on my camera roll, I’ve selected a few highlights in this slideshow. The drawings I made are private for now – I’ll allow them to settle gently in my unconscious alongside all the other things in there, ready to feed new work later this year.

Thanks to Clair, Charlotte, Coralie and Catriona, four of the best tree-women I know.