Virginia is passionate about the natural environment and the scope to harness all aspects of natural capital to encourage young children to learn about and value nature. She works with her husband Andrew on their livestock and arable farming estate in the Scottish Borders where the magnificent scenery, biodiversity, wildlife, farm animals and natural heritage are constant sources of inspiration and material for storytelling and illustration. All her illustrations are built from close observation of the landscape and natural environment throughout the seasons.
The story of Little Turk was inspired by a small flock of wild turkeys which strayed onto our farm in Scotland one year in early autumn. All the farm animals were intrigued by their elaborate, colourful plumage and eccentric behaviour. The turkeys would visit most days and then return to roost in th...
