Summer’s in full swing and the next couple of months are looking busy in the best way - a lovely mix of creative work, meeting clients and customers at markets, events and workshops, gentle family adventures, and a few moments just for me!

Berwick-upon-Tweed, perched on the border between England and Scotland, is a town full of charm and history. One of its many standout features is its three impressive bridges over the River Tweed, each with its own story to tell and views to provide. If you’re visiting the town, don’t forget to add them to your itinerary!

I really enjoy the run up to Christmas, as I’m a natural list-maker and organiser. I love getting cosy at home with the wood burner on and the smells of Christmas baking and cooking, or venturing out into town or to local events with twinkling lights and good company.

Old trees always seem eternal, like sentinels to history that stand in the landscape. It can be awe-inspiring to stand beneath the canopy of a tree that is hundreds of years old and consider who planted it and how different the world was then.

Regularly spotting so many coastal birds is the inspiration behind my newest collection, celebrating seven species that can often be seen here. The collection features detailed watercolour and pen illustrations of Arctic Terns, Brent Geese, Cormorants, Eider Duck, Oystercatcher, Purple Sandpiper and Puffins.

With coast and countryside literally on the doorstep, Berwick-upon-Tweed makes an ideal base for exploring a wide range of natural habitats and - as a car-free family - we’ve made the most of the excellent rail and bus connections to get out and about a bit further afield.