My drawing practice solely focuses on the flowering meadow wildplants in the landscape surrounding my home in Leitrim. Every Spring I aim on deepening my connection with these plants which are vital for our ecosystems- these plants and small trees which make up our native hedgerows, our pollinator pathways and wildlife corridors. For world rewilding day I made a couple of coloured studies of our native, ancient Sally Willow. Sallies are widespread, they love damp soil and they make great hedging. The most widespread are the Goat and Grey willow which are coming into flower right now all around us. This time of year Sallies are so important for our early emerging pollinators and these often overlooked little trees will be rich in insect life throughout Spring.
‘Sally and the Queen’ is a small plein air,coloured pencil drawing made after a special encounter on a chilly springing day along the hedgerows surrounding a local meadow. My plan was to take a few slips from the goat willow to sketch and to plant in our land dividing hedgerow. One the day we observed several queen bumblebees as they woke up from hibernation. The sallies are like magnets for the early bees as they foraged on early, pollen laden catkins. The grey willow is a perfect tree for rewilding purposes. Sallies are common, but I feel they are underestimated given they are amazing for biodiversity, rich source of food for our insects and a great food source for insect eating birds. We have willow warblers and nesting coal tits returning year in year out to the same spot and they love the willow. Sallies have a huge role to place in flood prevention making them a vital addition in our hedgerows, thriving in damp, lowland areas. They have been a very common hedgerow and field margin species in Leitrim. It is fascinating to think that there is evidence we were working with willow as far back as 8400 years ago.
Sallies this time of year are so important for our early emerging pollinators and they will be rich in insect life throughout early Spring. So if you are out walking have a look out and an ear towards this amazing flowering tree to hear the hum of life of joy and togetherness in the meadows, ditches and hedgerows over the coming weeks.