Last Week of our Norfolk Landscape Competition!

As we enter the final week for entries to our competition to find Norfolk's top landscape, we hear a personal view from well-known local author and wildlife expert John Hurst...

"My favourite view can be seen when walking in a northerly direction down the east bank at Cley Marshes NWT Reserve. As you near the shingle bank there is a fabulous view to the east over Arnold's Marsh towards Salthouse.

The location is named after the famous 'collector' of rare and interesting bird species - E C Arnold - who at the turn of the last century supported the local taxidermy trade by his pursuits...

In the 1970s the viewpoint became famous when acclaimed ornithologist, writer and artist, Richard Richardson was regularly seen at this point - observing birds and encouraging others to do the same.

Since 1972 I have seen many wonderful species of migratory waders from this point and only a few days ago in the company of friends saw a group of Lapland Buntings from northern Canada and a wryneck from eastern Europe; such is the magic for ornithologists of 'The East Bank, Cley'."

John's viewpoint is recorded in his book 'Norfolk Coastal Colours' on page 64 along with one of his earliest sketches, drawn from an inspirational visit to the area.

Norfolk is good for you - it's official!

Boffins at the University of Sheffield have today published new research which proves tranquil countryside living environments - such as Norfolk - are good for the brain.

Their findings show that tranquil scenes with natural features - such as the sea - help the brain to function whilst man-made environments - like motorways - hamper it.

The research team measured brain activity when people were presented with different images.

The results showed that the natural, tranquil beach scenes caused brain areas to become `connected´ with one another – indicating that these brain regions were working in sync. However, the non-tranquil motorway scenes disrupted connections within the brain.

Neuroscientist Dr Michael Hunter said: "People experience tranquillity as a state of calmness and reflection, which is restorative compared with the stressful effects of sustained attention in day-to-day life. "

For a taste of tranquillity for all those who aren't lucky enough to live here day-to-day, grab a cuppa and have a restorative look at our online landscape collection...

Art Alfresco at Sheringham Woods...

For North-Norfolk-dwellers, a walk in the woods can involve a bit more than botany, boots and bird-watching these days...

In Sheringham Park's new 'Bower' area - complete with disabled-friendly nature ponds and a wildflower meadow full of intriguing-sounding 'mini-beasts' - the National Trust team are inviting locals to get creative in 3D with a selection of natural 'found' objects.

Snaps of woodland works of art can be emailed for display on the Park's website at: sheringhampark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Here's one they prepared earlier! Is it 'art'? You decide?

Radio Norfolk's Money-Guru in-Spire-d by survey

Thanks to Jeremy Hooke - the voice of BBC Radio Norfolk's 'Monday Money' and former Lord Mayor of Norwich - for tipping us off to his own favourite Norfolk view...

"My personal favourite is the view from the top of St. John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich looking eastwards, out towards the coast.

This is a rare and spectacular view from a spot which I was fortunate enough to visit several times during my tenure as Lord Mayor of Norwich.

The tower - which is the highest point from there right the way until the Ural mountains in Russia - is open during Heritage Open Days - and it is well worth a visit!"

To mark your own beauty spot on the Norfolk landscape and win the chance to immortalise it in a specially commissioned oil, just enter our competition or pick up a form at the Gallery. Hurry though - the closing deadline is now fast-approaching on 15th September!

Hatfield Hines - Coming Up Roses in September

During September, Hatfield Hines Gallery celebrates all things floral with a special exhibition featuring Norfolk Gardens and Flower paintings...

Styles range from the painterly still-lifes of Naomi Clements-Wright and Eleanor Hope-Henderson to the vivid semi-cubist collages of Naomi Munuo and pastoral pastels of emerging talent Liz Inwood, daughter of well-known local artist Derek Inwood.