Hello, I'm Kathryn
To say I love nature is an understatement. It’s an obsession that is simply part of who I am. Without it, I would wither and die on the inside.
We all know nature’s in trouble. I can’t find words to match how that makes me feel—trust me, I've tried, and I've written some pretty dark poetry that shouldn't see the light of day! I’ve experienced tantrums, sadness, and hope all at the same time, which confuses my husband profusely.
It took me a while to figure it out, but when I realised that the word “weed” is at the root of so much ecological harm, a lightbulb lit up inside me. How can our native flowers bloom and wildlife flourish if we dismiss their core food plants as weeds?
This realisation changed everything. Today, I am dedicating my life to small-scale rewilding, researching ways we can restore biodiversity in our own smaller corners of the world. My personal testing ground is Frowning Sparrow Woods, a one-acre, self-regenerating wet woodland in Essex. By making space for native plants, we can create a living network for the wild, connecting habitats and linking communities back to the natural world.
Scroll down to get a peek behind the scenes—my heroes, my gear, and my journey with nature...
Blackthorn in Summer 2025
A little more info...
Who inspired your love for nature?
My mum. She taught me to marvel at nature and not fear the elements we often destroy. She made nature both magical and real, weaving stories like how craneflies in the lawn were grass fairies so I wouldn't be afraid. She would tell me to stand still when a wasp came near, explaining it was only curious about the giant before it. If I got stung by nettles, she’d say, "You’ll be more careful next time."
Today, we often choose to eliminate aspects of nature we dislike or fear, rather than educating ourselves about the imbalances this creates. I’m eternally grateful to my mum for teaching me to appreciate the story of life and the value of respecting all creatures, big and small.
Why is your journal called Today I’m a Wolf?
The title reflects my natural, observational approach to gardening. I read rewilding and wildlife books to understand how the missing creatures of our modern landscapes would shape the land if they were present. In a way, I mimic what’s absent, acting as a careful presence, while closely observing what is already happening. This allows me to work with the land rather than against it, nurturing wildlife without disturbing the delicate balance.
Today I’m a wolf, gently moving deer on to protect young plants while they establish. Tomorrow, I’m a horse, grazing to create a mosaic of vegetation heights in the grassy glade and ride. Mimicking these missing parts of nature is my way of working thoughtfully and finding balance without relying on noisy or heavy machinery that could cause disruption or damage.
How do you choose what to write about?
I’m drawn to topics that are complex, overlooked, or not yet presented to the general public in a clear, accessible way. Sometimes a subject has been forgotten entirely; other times, existing books skim over crucial details or are so densely packed with information that they’re hard to digest.
My goal is to gather everything readers need into one place. Information is presented in a clear, accessible way with no extra digging required.
Who inspires you?
I’m in awe of anyone taking action to help nature recover. Whether it’s adding a hedgehog highway to a fence or rewilding entire landscapes, it warms my heart immensely.
In visual storytelling, I’m deeply influenced by Corina Ko, Kay Neilson, Paolo Roversi, Cathleen Naundorf, Eugenio Recuenco, and the early works of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano in the 1990s and early 2000s. There’s a depth to their work that I find endlessly intriguing.
In writing, Taylor Swift’s ability to craft words for the collective is modern-day poetic genius, and her journey from media scrutiny (bullying) to creative triumph is a reminder that resilience can be transformative. “Ashes to fire, fire to life” — never let anyone bury you. I also loved how, in a recent podcast, she wove in snippets of nature; it makes me happy to know that words like otter and grasshopper will reach millions through someone so influential. When it comes to Taylor Swift it isn't just about her incredible storytelling. Her creative freedom is deeply compelling. Observing her process offers valuable artistic lessons. Her grounded, genuine nature allows others to find strength through vulnerability. I’m grateful for the inner world she ignites.
My husband - who has given me the gift of freedom to create, and whose generosity inspires me every day. He's my rock.
What inspires your art and photography?
I’m inspired by the emotions nature evokes — the feelings of wonder, connection, peace and sometimes wildness that come from being immersed in the natural world.
Through my photography and art, I try to capture something of those feelings and share them with others.
What Art materials do you use?
I like to keep my art practice free of constraints, so I work with a mix of materials, from watercolors and pens to printing supplies and beyond. As a mixed media artist, my toolkit is diverse, but I always choose vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products. Whenever possible, I source secondhand materials, and I always make my own watercolors, aiming to reduce waste and keep my practice ethical and sustainable.
My print partner also shares these values.
What's in Your Camera Bag?
Photography is my second obsession after nature. I love cameras, lenses and the different ways they allow me to see and photograph the world. My collection spans several generations of photographic equipment, from much-loved older cameras and characterful lenses to the digital equipment I use today.
Only a handful of items are brand new, remnants from my years as a wedding photographer. Most of my equipment has been carefully sourced second-hand from trusted sellers, including MPB, WEX Photography and Park Cameras, or inherited from my dad.
Medium Format:
Mamiya 645 Pro TL
80mm f/1.9
Camera Bodies:
Nikon Z6
Nikon D750
Nikon DF
Nikon D700
Nikon D810
Nikon D800
Nikon D200
Nikon D100
Nikon D40
Nikkormat FT2
Nikon F-301
Fujifilm S5 Pro
Pentax K10D + Kit Zoom Lens
Canon 5D Classic + 50mm f/1.8
Olympus E-500 + Kit Zoom Lenses
Nikon F Mount Lenses:
500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
500mm f/8 Reflex MF
135mm f/3.5 Ai-S MF
105mm f2.8 G AF-S VR IF ED Micro
70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED (my favourite lens for macro)
58mm f/1.4 G AF-S (my favourite lens)
Petzval 58mm f/1.9 - Bokeh Control
35mm f/2.5 E Series MF
50mm f/1.2 Ai-S MF
50mm f/1.4 G AF-S
43-86mm f/3.5 non Ai (one of my favourite lens)
35mm f/2.5 E Series MF
35-80mm f/4-5.6D AF
28mm f/1.8 G AF-S
Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 MF (another favourite)
M42 Mount Lenses:
Vivitar 200mm f/3.5
Pentacon 135mm f/2.8
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
Chinon 55mm f/1.7
Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan 50mm f/2.8
My wish list! Nikon Z8 to capture all those pesky fast insects in flight, and a Nikon 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR.
How can people support your work?
I’m currently working on a research-heavy nature guide, entirely self-funded, alongside the ongoing restoration of Frowning Sparrow Woods. Future publications and products, including nature guides, photo books, zines and Stock with Character, will help support this work. Every purchase helps fund the research, practical work and restoration of this small pocket of nature, allowing me to continue creating inspiring, useful resources for both people and wildlife.