The white-clawed crayfish is our only native crayfish and is the largest freshwater invertebrate in the UK. Sadly, they are now classified as endangered and at risk of extinction.

Their decline has primarily been caused by the invasion of the American signal crayfish. Signal crayfish outcompete the white-clawed for homes and food, and carry a disease called ‘crayfish plague’ which is lethal to the white-clawed.

This screenprint was inspired by many visits I have made over the years to the Wallington Estate near Morpeth, during which time I have been learning about their efforts to save this species. They have managed to create an ‘Ark’ from an old cattle drinking hole as part of a successful conservation programme. The creation of this refuge means Wallington is now one of the few places in England that continues to have a healthy population of white-clawed crayfish, with no invasive species present.

The background seen on this print represents the set of imposing dragons’ heads that can be seen on the lawn when approaching Wallington Hall from the road. I chose to include these as the stone sculptures appear as though they are guarding the estate.

A new bestiary and herbarium for at risk species by artists from Northern Print.

“Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support visits, new printmaking and school’s programme for this project.

Northern Print artists bring together traditional printmaking and the natural world with a series of new prints highlighting the diversity of species that are categorised as ‘at risk’.

The ‘endless forms’ include marine life; plants; birds; insects and mammals with many familiar and much-loved species as well as less known and intriguing creatures that have captured the imagination and hearts of Northern Print’s artists.

This exhibition of 45 new prints has been made following a series of visits to our region’s natural history collections and habitats and represents the tiniest tip of the iceberg of our natural world under threat.

The artwork includes a range of approaches and printmaking processes – including heritage craft skills also deemed at risk including letterpress and mould-made papers