The BIRDscapes Gallery is an independent, family-run business in Glandford.  Nestling in the rolling and wooded countryside of the River Glaven Valley, the inspiring beauty of the North Norfolk Coast is on the doorstep. Indeed, in Medieval times, the sea used to come inland as far as Glandford!

Keen conservationists and birdwatchers, Liz and Steve Harris were drawn to the unique landscapes and rich birdlife of the Norfolk coast in the 1970s. For many years they pursued careers in teaching and wildlife conservation respectively.  Then came the opportunity to change course and run a wildlife art gallery.  After a year of designing and creating a gallery-space out of what had been a light-industrial workshop, BIRDscapes opened its doors on October 1st, 2005.  Joined since then by son Peter and daughter Emma, the gallery, one of the largest in the area, has two spacious rooms: one dedicated to original prints and the other to paintings, with sculptures throughout.

Inspiring an appreciation for nature is at the heart of the BIRDscapes approach, with a focus on the Wild Birds and Wild Places of the UK. Showcasing the great variety of styles and techniques used by many of the foremost wildlife artists, the gallery works with more than 80 painters, printmakers and sculptors, the vast majority of whom spend a great deal of time in the field, observing, sketching and painting their subjects.

Steve and Liz feel that this engagement with the natural world gives these artists’ work special qualities of liveliness and authenticity.  The Society of Wildlife Artists, the most prestigious wildlife art society in the UK, founded in 1964, places similar emphasis on direct observation and as a result BIRDscapes is privileged to work with over 25 of its members.

BIRDscapes likes to support conservation projects and organisations and, amongst others, has raised funds for wetland restoration in Iraq, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force, Operation Turtle Dove, and land purchases by The Norfolk Wildlife Trust and The World Land Trust.  The gallery initiated the ‘Conservation Through Art Award’ at the SWLA Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, and each year gives a prize of £1000 which is shared equally between the winning artist and a conservation cause of the artist’s choosing.

Steve, Liz and the rest of the team, are always pleased to hear visitors revealing how inspired and uplifted they feel as a result of a visit to BIRDscapes.