“What does nature recovery look like to you?”

Conservation Optimism, the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History partnered to launch a public art competition exploring visions of nature recovery. We received artworks from all over the world, created by people of different ages and backgrounds, using a variety of media.

The works were divided into two categories, considering the age of the artist: “Over 18” and “Under 18”. Each of the artists was asked to address the following question…

“What does nature recovery look like to you?”

Want to know what they answered? Click on the image of each piece and find out.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!

Over 18 Category – 

A Cheerful Meeting - Vera Carbin A Cheerful Meeting – Vera Carbin, United Kingdom “I hope that in the future, through everyone’s hard work, it will be normal to be surrounded by a joyful over-abundance of nature as we go about our daily lives”." aria-label=" A Cheerful Meeting – Vera Carbin, United Kingdom “I hope that in the future, through everyone’s hard work, it will be normal to be surrounded by a joyful over-abundance of nature as we go about our daily lives”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28729" />
Diversity in Nature Recovery - Dr Sam Martin
A Close Encounter – Trish Adams, Australia" aria-label=" A Close Encounter – Trish Adams, Australia" class="img-responsive wp-image-28731" />
Keeping the Coral Colourful - Ashleigh Cheyne Keeping the Coral Colourful – Ashleigh Cheyne, United Kingdom –
“Coral reefs help support so much life of our ecosystem, including helping over 500 million people through producing protein sources for marine systems. Microbes are essential for many aspects of this, including keeping coral reef systems alive and well. They do this by producing elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxides, which are all used by coral for many different functions. An example of this is the Symbiodinium microbes which produce carbon which can be used to prevent coral bleaching, where the coral turns white and dies”." aria-label="Keeping the Coral Colourful – Ashleigh Cheyne, United Kingdom –
“Coral reefs help support so much life of our ecosystem, including helping over 500 million people through producing protein sources for marine systems. Microbes are essential for many aspects of this, including keeping coral reef systems alive and well. They do this by producing elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxides, which are all used by coral for many different functions. An example of this is the Symbiodinium microbes which produce carbon which can be used to prevent coral bleaching, where the coral turns white and dies”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28732" />
Jahoo-living-forest - Yann Bigant - Yann The Jahoo Living Forest – Yann Bigant, France / Cambodia –
“The Jahoo project, located on Indigenous land in Cambodia, is a prime example of what successful forest preservation looks like – in real life. Far from an idealized wild nature, pathways to protect ecosystems with their inhabitants, humans and non-humans, are complex and intertwined in many ways with the ‘modern world’ that lies beyond the forest’s edge”." aria-label="The Jahoo Living Forest – Yann Bigant, France / Cambodia –
“The Jahoo project, located on Indigenous land in Cambodia, is a prime example of what successful forest preservation looks like – in real life. Far from an idealized wild nature, pathways to protect ecosystems with their inhabitants, humans and non-humans, are complex and intertwined in many ways with the ‘modern world’ that lies beyond the forest’s edge”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28733" />
Lazarus - Dunja Branovacki The Lazarus Taxa – Dunja Branovacki, Serbia–
“Sometimes, even when all hope seems lost, there is a small chance, things can still work out, recover or even thrive. The two insects and one plant pictured were thought to be extinct, but have since been rediscovered by scientists”." aria-label=" The Lazarus Taxa – Dunja Branovacki, Serbia–
“Sometimes, even when all hope seems lost, there is a small chance, things can still work out, recover or even thrive. The two insects and one plant pictured were thought to be extinct, but have since been rediscovered by scientists”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28734" />
Biodiversity in progress! - Marcela Bianchessi da Cunha Santino Biodiversity in progress! – Marcela Bianchessi da Cunha Santino, Brazil–
“This is a scene from the Cambridge botanical Gardens where a picturesque walkway is closed, off to visitors because a family of badges have built a burrow and should not be disturbed. The Rope was a simple barrier yet effective in protecting this family”." aria-label=" Biodiversity in progress! – Marcela Bianchessi da Cunha Santino, Brazil–
“This is a scene from the Cambridge botanical Gardens where a picturesque walkway is closed, off to visitors because a family of badges have built a burrow and should not be disturbed. The Rope was a simple barrier yet effective in protecting this family”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28735" />
Polar Bear in a Time of Change - Sarah Davis Polar Bear in a Time of Change – Sarah Davis, United Kingdom –
“The polar bear stands on the cusp of recovery and its future depends on our actions. The stained glass panel shows the bear against a background of possible futures – the frozen land and sea that support its life, or the flora of the tundra that will take over if we choose to ignore our impact on these beautiful animals. When I created the panel I deliberately designed it with this contrast, created with the use of art glass and detailed painting, to encourage questions and conversations. The choice is ours; as an optimist I hope that we will pursue actions that will make this type of nature recovery possible”." aria-label=" Polar Bear in a Time of Change – Sarah Davis, United Kingdom –
“The polar bear stands on the cusp of recovery and its future depends on our actions. The stained glass panel shows the bear against a background of possible futures – the frozen land and sea that support its life, or the flora of the tundra that will take over if we choose to ignore our impact on these beautiful animals. When I created the panel I deliberately designed it with this contrast, created with the use of art glass and detailed painting, to encourage questions and conversations. The choice is ours; as an optimist I hope that we will pursue actions that will make this type of nature recovery possible”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28736" />
Nature's Symphony: Vibrant Hues Dance Amongst the Trees - Sunil Kumar Nature’s Symphony: Vibrant Hues Dance Amongst the Trees – Sunil Kumar, India –
“This piece represents my vision of nature recovery by showcasing the vibrant and diverse colors found in nature. The use of blue, green, yellow, and red portrays the vitality and resiliency of the natural world. It reminds us of the beauty that can be restored through conservation efforts and the importance of preserving and rejuvenating our ecosystems”." aria-label=" Nature’s Symphony: Vibrant Hues Dance Amongst the Trees – Sunil Kumar, India –
“This piece represents my vision of nature recovery by showcasing the vibrant and diverse colors found in nature. The use of blue, green, yellow, and red portrays the vitality and resiliency of the natural world. It reminds us of the beauty that can be restored through conservation efforts and the importance of preserving and rejuvenating our ecosystems”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28737" />
Artecology, art and science meet to make intertidal habitat on harbour walls and sea defences - Nigel George Artecology, art and science meet to make intertidal habitat on harbour walls and sea defences – Nigel George, United Kingdom –
“As our countryside continues to fill with monoculture life-forms, the need for our towns, cities and urban infrastructure to become sanctuaries for wildlife will be pressing. If we design in features which provide lifecycle resources into our urban centres, nature will find a way to thrive alongside us,… and at the same time human beings will receive meaningful, health giving wildlife experiences for free”." aria-label=" Artecology, art and science meet to make intertidal habitat on harbour walls and sea defences – Nigel George, United Kingdom –
“As our countryside continues to fill with monoculture life-forms, the need for our towns, cities and urban infrastructure to become sanctuaries for wildlife will be pressing. If we design in features which provide lifecycle resources into our urban centres, nature will find a way to thrive alongside us,… and at the same time human beings will receive meaningful, health giving wildlife experiences for free”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28738" />
Semilla (Seed) - Cristina Delgado Semilla (Seed) – Cristina Delgado, Mexico –
“In my viewpoint, I believe that nature recovery should begin by focusing on the care and preservation of seeds, recognizing their immense value and potential to regenerate ecosystems. It is through these seemingly small and unassuming entities that the foundation of life and biodiversity is built, much like how a tiny seed can grow into a mighty tree. By starting from the smallest things, such as seeds, we can initiate a powerful cycle of renewal and lead to the restoration of entire landscapes. This perspective is reflected in my artwork, where I visually represent the potential of growth and regeneration by depicting a seed. Through deliberate nurturing, we can empower the seed to sprout and flourish into a vibrant plant. By incorporating a person in the artwork, I emphasize our role as stewards of nature and stress the importance of our active involvement in the process. Just as we provide the necessary care and support for the seed to reach its full potential, we must extend our efforts towards nurturing and restoring our natural environment, understanding that even the smallest actions can have profound impacts on the broader ecosystem”." aria-label=" Semilla (Seed) – Cristina Delgado, Mexico –
“In my viewpoint, I believe that nature recovery should begin by focusing on the care and preservation of seeds, recognizing their immense value and potential to regenerate ecosystems. It is through these seemingly small and unassuming entities that the foundation of life and biodiversity is built, much like how a tiny seed can grow into a mighty tree. By starting from the smallest things, such as seeds, we can initiate a powerful cycle of renewal and lead to the restoration of entire landscapes. This perspective is reflected in my artwork, where I visually represent the potential of growth and regeneration by depicting a seed. Through deliberate nurturing, we can empower the seed to sprout and flourish into a vibrant plant. By incorporating a person in the artwork, I emphasize our role as stewards of nature and stress the importance of our active involvement in the process. Just as we provide the necessary care and support for the seed to reach its full potential, we must extend our efforts towards nurturing and restoring our natural environment, understanding that even the smallest actions can have profound impacts on the broader ecosystem”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28739" />
Revival: The Equation for Survival - Avani Jyani Revival: The Equation for Survival – Avani Jyani, India –
” This artwork represents my vision of nature recovery by depicting the interconnectedness between human survival and the revitalization of the natural world. The piece captures the delicate balance that exists between our actions and the well-being of the environment”." aria-label=" Revival: The Equation for Survival – Avani Jyani, India –
” This artwork represents my vision of nature recovery by depicting the interconnectedness between human survival and the revitalization of the natural world. The piece captures the delicate balance that exists between our actions and the well-being of the environment”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28740" />
E generation - Jess Vinson Manthra E generation – Jess Vinson Manthra, India –
“The role of social media and internet in environmental activism is portrayed in the painting. The creeping vines from the device portrays the smaller field of vision and the leafless tree where the protagonist sit as the often neglected bigger picture of what is happening to the planet”." aria-label=" E generation – Jess Vinson Manthra, India –
“The role of social media and internet in environmental activism is portrayed in the painting. The creeping vines from the device portrays the smaller field of vision and the leafless tree where the protagonist sit as the often neglected bigger picture of what is happening to the planet”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28741" />
Roots of Diversity - Vicky Bowskill Roots of Diversity – Vicky Bowskill, United Kingdom –
“Restoration of terrestrial ecosystems depends on restoring healthy soils. In permanent, species-rich grasslands like the one shown in this image, the diverse range of rooting structures, along with their mycorrhizal networks, help to build well-structured soils that can in turn support resilient ecosystems, both above and below ground. Great for biodiversity, carbon storage, water management – and us!”." aria-label=" Roots of Diversity – Vicky Bowskill, United Kingdom –
“Restoration of terrestrial ecosystems depends on restoring healthy soils. In permanent, species-rich grasslands like the one shown in this image, the diverse range of rooting structures, along with their mycorrhizal networks, help to build well-structured soils that can in turn support resilient ecosystems, both above and below ground. Great for biodiversity, carbon storage, water management – and us!”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28742" />

Under 18 Category – 

The Beaver, nature's engineer, restoring nature one branch at a time - Claire Wansbury, United Kingdom The Beaver, nature’s engineer, restoring nature one branch at a time – Claire Wansbury, United Kingdom –
” How careful reintroduction of keystone species can have wider benefits”." aria-label=" The Beaver, nature’s engineer, restoring nature one branch at a time – Claire Wansbury, United Kingdom –
” How careful reintroduction of keystone species can have wider benefits”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28746" />
Biomes - Ronen, India Biomes – Ronen, India –
“It talks about the resurrection of nature; how big it is to be contained on a big piece of paper, and the hardships of the past, and the bright, thriving future ahead”." aria-label=" Biomes – Ronen, India –
“It talks about the resurrection of nature; how big it is to be contained on a big piece of paper, and the hardships of the past, and the bright, thriving future ahead”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28747" />
Miracle of Life in Death - Jordan Perucki, United States Miracle of Life in Death – Jordan Perucki, United States –
“It shows a plant growing within a dead tree stump. Everything that is living is shown in bright colors (the magical rainbow bunnies, and the miracle plant) and everything else is dull”." aria-label=" Miracle of Life in Death – Jordan Perucki, United States –
“It shows a plant growing within a dead tree stump. Everything that is living is shown in bright colors (the magical rainbow bunnies, and the miracle plant) and everything else is dull”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28748" />
The centre of nature's recovering soul - Emma Polidori, United Kingdom The centre of nature’s recovering soul – Emma Polidori, United Kingdom –
“The heart in the centre of my painting is supposed to represent what nature is like when it has been recovered and well kept. The section around it has been only painted in dark grey or tones of black to show the misery of when nature is not treated well. The overall message shows how nature can thrive when it is loved”." aria-label=" The centre of nature’s recovering soul – Emma Polidori, United Kingdom –
“The heart in the centre of my painting is supposed to represent what nature is like when it has been recovered and well kept. The section around it has been only painted in dark grey or tones of black to show the misery of when nature is not treated well. The overall message shows how nature can thrive when it is loved”." class="img-responsive wp-image-28749" />
Restoration of the Osprey Population – Solution to DDTs - Seilah Quinones, United State Restoration of the Osprey Population – Solution to DDTs – Seilah Quinones, United States " aria-label=" Restoration of the Osprey Population – Solution to DDTs – Seilah Quinones, United States " class="img-responsive wp-image-28750" />
The richest life source naturally presented by our Earth - Regina Messenger, United States The richest life source naturally presented by our Earth – Regina Messenger, United States " aria-label=" The richest life source naturally presented by our Earth – Regina Messenger, United States " class="img-responsive wp-image-28751" />
Trees - Lola Newman, United Kingdom Trees – Lola Newman, United Kingdom" aria-label=" Trees – Lola Newman, United Kingdom" class="img-responsive wp-image-28752" />

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