Poole Farm Artist Residency: Final Prints by Devon Tipping unveiled!

Final Artwork from My Poole Farm Artist Residency

After a month-long artist residency at Poole Farm in Plymouth, I’m so excited to share the final artwork with you.

This project has been a deeply inspiring journey, connecting art, nature, and community. Over four weeks I immersed myself in the landscapes, wildlife, and people who make Poole Farm such a special place. The result is a series of three A3 illustration prints that will soon be installed onsite at Poole Farm for visitors to enjoy.

So next time you’re out exploring the farm, you might just spot them!

About the art works:

Print One: Celebrating the Return of Beavers

Illustrated print of beavers at Poole Farm, showing night camera footage, beaver enclosure at dusk, and benefits of biodiversity and flood resilience

One of my highlights was spending evenings watching footage from the night-time beaver cameras, and even waiting quietly at the enclosure at dusk in hopes of catching a glimpse of them. These incredible animals are making a comeback across the UK, and for good reason.

Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers as their dams and activities increase biodiversity, improve habitats for other species, and even help with flood resilience. This print captures both the mystery of watching them at night and the excitement of seeing the difference they make to the land and waterways.

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Print Two: People, Community and Nature Connection

Illustration of community groups at Poole Farm, featuring eco-therapy, school visits, and volunteers surveying meadows and rivers, celebrating nature connection

Throughout the residency I joined a wide variety of groups on site – from eco-therapy sessions and school visits to helping volunteers survey the meadows and rivers. Each group brought a new perspective on how people can connect with nature, learn from it, and support its care.

This second piece reflects those moments of study, teamwork, and joy. Poole Farm is not only a haven for wildlife but also a community hub for learning, wellbeing, and environmental action. This artwork is a tribute to everyone who makes use of the space, whether for science, education, or play.

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Print Three: The Silver-Washed Fritillary Butterfly

Artwork of the silver-washed fritillary butterfly at Poole Farm, one of the UK’s rarest and largest butterflies, alongside other local wildlife

The final print celebrates one of the most magical sightings I had during my time at Poole Farm: the silver-washed fritillary butterfly. This rare and striking species is one of the UK’s largest butterflies, and the whole team was thrilled to see it thriving here.

This illustration also speaks more broadly to the diversity of creatures that call Poole Farm home. From butterflies to birds, from insects to mammals, the farm is buzzing with life, and each visit reveals something new.

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Limited Edition Sustainable Prints Now Available

To mark the end of this residency, I’ve created a limited edition run of prints available for purchase. Each piece is printed on high-quality, sustainably sourced recycled paper making them a perfect choice for art lovers who care about both beauty and the planet.

By owning one of these artworks, you’re not only supporting my practice as an illustrator but also celebrating the incredible biodiversity and community spirit of Poole Farm.

👉 Click here to purchase your print!

Visiting Poole Farm

If you haven’t been before, Poole Farm is part of the Derriford Community Park in Plymouth. It’s open to the public and offers opportunities to walk, volunteer, and connect with nature right on the city’s doorstep. Keep an eye out for my artwork during your next visit!

Final Thoughts

This residency has been an incredible opportunity to combine my love of illustration with my passion for climate action, biodiversity, and community participation. The resulting prints are not just artworks they’re stories of how people and wildlife can thrive together in the wonderful city of Plymouth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and I'm really intrigued to know which print resonates with you most?

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