photography – Nannie RaRa

Tales from Nannie’s garden – a summer day

23rd Jun 2026 Nannie RaRa

Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time on a sunny day, the Bobbin family were playing in the garden. But wait, what do you think is happening? I could tell you what I think, but it is up to you to make the painting come to life.

This is my version of the story in the painting.

Once upon a time on a summer day, the Bobbin family were playing in the garden.

Jimmy was watching the baby bluetits playing in the water Nannie had left out for them. One young bluetit had his eye on a peacock butterfly – wondering if it was good to eat.

The shy great spotted woodpecker was half hidden amongst the leaves waiting for everyone to go so he could have a drink of water.

The blackbird had heard the noise and came to see what was going on. But in the meantime, was that a tasty snail in the broken flowerpot?

The squirrel was chatting to Timmy and Jerry who were sitting on the bench. They were hoping to go and have a splash in the water.

Bobbie Robin was near Clarrie, helping her keep an eye on everyone.

All was calm, but then Ned the Nisse came sliding down the tree hoping to land in the cool water. What a splash he could make! Ned was always mischievous. Jimmy enjoyed playing with him but was worried that the bluetits would be scared off by Ned.

Nannie was standing nearby. What did she have in her basket? Was it flowers she had picked or had she brought out some of her special cakes for everyone.

What is your version of the story of the painting?

Background

This is my latest painting.

Tales from Nannie’s garden lets children make up their own story, encouraging them to use their imagination, while at the same time getting to know nature.

On a shelf near the painting are various figures and items associated with the painting so that anyone can play and continue the story.

It makes you wonder what your figures get up to when you are not watching.

nature

Nearby feathered friends

25th Dec 202411th Jan 2025 Nannie RaRa

I’ve recently taken short videos of birds near me.

I have peanut feeders in my garden that hang from an oak tree. There is a holly bush next to it so the birds can hop in and out to safety, ready for when the sparrowhawk appears.

I usually have blue tits, great tits and great spotted woodpeckers on there, but recently some starlings have appeared. I also have magpies and jackdaws in the garden and the jackdaws have tried the feeders as well.

There is a ruined church just down the road, and a flock of finches have taken up residence in the trees and copse. You can hear the linnets chattering away as you pass by. I’ve also seen chaffinches, gold finches, greenfinches, yellowhammers and brambling.

There is a river estuary a short walk away with a nature reserve on the opposite side of the river. The birds don’t know about the reserve so they come on my side of the river as well. There are dunlin, teal, oystercatchers, avocet, knot, godwits – both bar tailed and black-tailed – and many others.

I’m not very good at telling which bird is which, so if I have named them wrongly in the videos, do let me know.

And lastly here is a flock of Brent geese. They travel from the farmer’s field where they overnight down to the estuary. You can always hear them coming.

Books, nature

Jenny Wren to the rescue

23rd Jan 2022 Nannie RaRa

Nannie RaRa has published her latest book: Jenny Wren to the rescue.

This is the tale of Jenny Wren who was looking for some tasty creatures to eat for lunch. But who will be eaten?

Gregory Grasshopper looks very appetising, but instead of eating him they become friends. Jenny narrowly misses being eaten by a sparrowhawk while protecting Gregory from a frog.

Does Jenny eventually find her lunch? Read the book to find out.

The book is illustrated with paintings done in watercolour and gouache by Nannie RaRa, mostly from photographs she has taken.