The Dreaming Fields of Grey Towers Farm - under threat of development

As regular readers of this blog will know - I love Middlesbrough! And one of it's chief assets is the outstanding countryside right along it's edge. To the south lies the outlying village of Nunthorpe from whence stretches some of the most beautiful hitherto undeveloped landscape one could imagine. Unspoilt views of rolling fields, woods and copses, all with an intangible atmosphere of specialness - a unique 'genius loci'.

North East artist Ingrid Sylvestre Durham artists UK

There are many lovely walks around the Nunthorpe area, and one of the best begins (or ends) at Grey Towers Farm Lane. Just off the 'Poole Roundabout' this historic lane is bordered on one side by lush fields and on the other side by Poole Wood. The fields are currently under threat of development - how different would they look if covered in 295 houses!



The photo above shows some of the fields, with their bounding copses and woods. Turning the other way, one looks into Poole Wood, with it's Lake and view across to the historic Grey Towers mansion, once the home of Sir Arthur Dorman. The mansion and it's surrounding lands, now private, were purchased and given 'to the people of Middlesbrough' by an early Middlesbrough mayor, then Alderman Poole, and initially used as a TB sanatorium. Gibson Poole stated that he wanted to preserve from development for all time 'this loveliest of Cleveland's beauty spots'.


The Lake area is an important wildlife site, it's secluded location making it a haven for all kinds of creatures, including bats. If the housing development was constructed just across the Lane, the surface water drainage of the fields would be affected, probably causing a rise in the level of the Lake, destroying habitats.


At the lower end of the Lane, the trees of Poole Wood and 'Horsejump Wood' almost meet, giving a dramatic frame to the spectacular Cleveland skies. There is a secret feel to this area, an undisturbed loveliness, which is too good to lose. The trees of Poole Wood arch protectively over the Lane, like giant bird's wings, as if the Spirit of Place were defending the land.


Stepping beyond one is overawed by the majesty of the landscape. Huge mountainous clouds billow above, as sunbeams break through, illuminating a lone tree. In the distance the Cleveland Hills give an undulating backdrop to this breathtaking scene.


This area is one of Middlesbrough's best assets. An intangible unquantifiable asset, of immeasureable worth and irreplaceable value.

Not an asset that should be packaged up into bundles of 'estimated Council Tax receivable for high Band houses', not to be dug up, mutilated and transformed into just another housing development.

To save this lovely area of countryside would show wisdom, discernment and forward thinking - all attributes highly becoming for a lively and inspirational town (city?) like Middlesbrough.

Further information about the proposed housing development can be viewed here at Greater Nunthorpe org, including how to write letters of objection.

Durham Supermoon

When we were out in Durham City on Saturday night, the supermoon shone down on Elvet Bridge as the restaurants emptied.


Brighter than the lights along the River Banks, surpassing the street-lamps ...


Serene and still as the taxis sped by the Old Shire Hall ...



Illuminating Spring buds on filigree branches ...


Beautiful beyond the clouds.

Ingrid Sylvestre

Spring Tree Dance

I have just completed this painting, after having laid down the first brushstrokes in 2001! Sometimes it is good to let a painting grow slowly, just like the trees it portrays.

The group of Hornbeams are situated in the University of Durham Botanic Garden, and I have drawn and painted them several times. I love their rhythmic shapes and the way the group interact with each other spatially, with the steep hill beyond. Situated in a deep dell overshadowed by trees, the light has a golden-green hue giving the place a secretive feel. One feels the need to tiptoe by, not to disturb the trees in their Spring revelry!


This is a much larger painting than the one featured in a previous post, measuring around 70 x 50 cm. I used a beautifully textured thick tinted watercolour paper, and waterproof ink to add the linear qualities to the watercolour.

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NB: As my followers will know, I am highly concerned about the future of our Forests, and will follow with interest the progress of the campaign particularly at Save Our Woods. This article by European Trees about the government panel draws attention to urgent needs.

Ingrid Sylvestre English Landscape Painter Durham North East England UK Newcastle Teesside Sunderland Darlington Northumberland Landscape Paintings Garden Paintings Paintings of Trees and Woods and Forests Fine Artist Paintings for Sale.

Unknown Galanthus and the Light of Spring

Each year I excitedly anticipate the snowdrops, and these are a particular favourite given by a dear friend. They are larger than most Galanthus, and I wonder if anyone can identify them?



I love the subtle yet defined green markings.


There's something especially appealing about snowdrops in shade - they can look quite magical!


Another unidentified favourite is this little Euphorbia, which glows ruby-like next to Stonecrop.


Myriads of Myosotis have self seeded everywhere, and will soon cover the soil in a cloud of blue. In the light of Spring, even their humble leaves seem to exude an inner gloriousness.


New furry foliage of Stachys lanata 'Primrose Heron' arises in lemon-hued vibrance from last year's winter-washed remains.



Seed-heads of 'Autumn Joy' glow like embers in a shady corner.



Illuminated by the light of Spring, their stems seem to flicker with haloes of fire.

Ingrid Sylvestre

Ingrid Sylvestre English Landscape Painter Durham North East England UK Landscape Art Garden Paintings Trees Woods Forests Paintings for Sale Fine Artist Visionary Artist. Durham Sunderland Newcastle Teesside Darlington Northumberland.