We paint at Pensthorpe at a different season – to enjoy the seedheads, misty backdrops and a vast array of birds that love to be close to us.

It is a joy just to be in this gorgeous pocket of North Norfolk. As soon as you arrive you realise that there’s more birdlife here than you expected.

Mark will help you find a flutter of line and a simple palette of colour.  It’s an exciting time to sketch and to engage with wildlife in a deeper way.

Mark’s understanding of birds and his approach to drawing and painting wildlife is refreshing.  He is a brilliant tutor who can coach any standard of artist to love their artwork more than ever.  

Make the most of the autumn in Norfolk with these two beautiful days of sketching.

We have picked this reserve because it’s beautiful.  It is always brimming with colour and action in both flora and fauna.  Pensthorpe is an award-winning mix of nature trails, beguiling woodland walks, and a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation.  It is a series of gravel pits that have been made into a fantastic wildlife area, not only native birds but also wetland areas.  Pensthorpe is recognised as a national breeding site for many species, Long-Tailed Tits, Female Marsh Harriers, Kingfishers, Cormorants and Spotted Flycatchers.

Our top tip is to arrive early enough to have breakfast in the cafe before the day of sketching begins – both traditional and vegetarian options are amazingly tasty.

Pensthorpe is on the edge of Fakenham, a market town on the way to the coast of North Norfolk.  Surrounded by countryside, this wildlife haven was set up by visionary conservationist Bill Makins, who was a friend of Mary-Anne’s grandparents.  It has 200 acres and is one of the most bio-divserse reserves in England.  Pensthorpe is now known to millions due to Springwatch.