Laura Ross
Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Sometimes you meet people that have the ability to catapult you straight into their world. James Tomlinson, is one of those people. Impossible to label, a birdwatcher, artist, stonemason, photographer, Dad and Trustee of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, he is an infectious whirlwind of passion and creativity. His latest art collection, Notes, is currently on display at the Discovery Centre. Luckily he had time to pop in and tell me more about it, before heading off to check on a couple of Kestrels and their young.
It's impossible not to see how much you love the great outdoors and birdwatching. Where does this love stem from?
Growing up, we lived near Biggin Hill airport, so were surrounded by things that flew around; aeroplanes and birds. I used to go out, look at the birds, collect their eggs - not great I know, but it's been part of the journey that's got me to where I am today. I moved down to Devon after having kids, a bird paradise, and I had the chance to reconnect again with nature. We'd go pond dipping, tree bark rubbing, just spend time together outdoors. It's a way of life for me - my other life. I go to work, but I'm always looking at ways to get out and do some bird watching.
We regularly share your images. What part does photography play in your life?
We're at a point in time, where the environment is on its knees. People need to put their heads above the parapet and tell our politicians that things have got to change. I take my photos to simply show people birds. It's the sparkle in the jar, you've got to connect people to nature. It's got to be the people who make things change. I don't like being indoors, as soon as I get the chance I escape outdoors. I feel a massive commitment to put what I've taken, back in to the environment. I feel obligated to do the right thing for it. After all, what will we do when all the birds have gone? When I was younger, I would count over 300 Yellow Hammer on a farm near Orpington and visiting recently I didn't see one.
You've just taken over the art wall. What do you want people to take away from your collection?
I want people to enjoy and have the opportunity to buy an original bit of art and take away part of the nature reserve. I've been out there, seen a bird, sketched it, transformed it back in the studio, but you're buying a piece in time.
You also help run guided walks at the nature reserve. What do you enjoy about those?
I want to inspire the child that's come along with their mum and dad. I don't want people to feel intimidated and like they need to be an expert. I try and make it fun, telling kids some silly facts about birds. I told a boy recently that the Cormorant is Batman's bird and that's where he got his wings from. I hope one day he'll see one and remember that.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I'm dyslexic and actually enjoy reading, as it's a real challenge for me. I soak up all the bird books, and when I was around 13, I had John Gooder's Field Book of British Birds and I remember my first real find. It was a Grey Wagtail and I got out my book, identified it and I was so excited. How mad is it that I'm now a Trustee for the Friends and this is where he went birdwatching? For me, sitting in his hide, it's similar to loving a football player and being in their dressing room.
Is there a moment at Rye Harbour that stands out for you?
Two stand out. I was on the reserve when the light was falling and I saw this little white bird flipping around and it was a Siberian Chiffchaff. I actually got the first record for the reserve. The other one, was at Barn Pools when I was walking over the mound and there was a Merlin sat right in front of me with a Meadow Pipit it had caught.
How about a favourite species?
Bullfinch all day long. When I was younger I remember walking over a railway bridge and there was some frozen scrubland with about five male Bullfinch, that looked just like little toys.
And a favourite spot?
The Halpin hide at Castle Water. I can hide in there for long periods of time, when I should be doing something else!
What is your biggest hope for 2025?
That the government start listening to the people.
Finally, tell us something about you that we might not already know?
My guilty pleasure is military aeroplanes. Every time I go to Norfolk to go birdwatching, I always stop at the airbase and watch the American jets go round and round. It reminds me of being young and being with my brother when we'd watch them at Biggin Hill airport.
James' latest art exhibition will be on until 31st January and you can view more of his art here.
This post is also available on Sussex Wildlife Trust website
