Stay up to date with my creative projects, from illustrating British nature writing to partnering on conservation collaborations - all dedicated to celebrating and protecting our natural world.
LATEST NEWS & CONSERVATION COLLABORATIONS
2027 RSPB Family Organiser - Out Now
I’m thrilled to have illustrated the RSPB’s Family Organiser for a second year. The cover was inspired by my holiday on the west coast of Scotland. Early one morning a flock of curlew flew over our house to feed on the tidal sands of Loch Crinan. Available from August, this four-column wall planner showcases iconic British birds to keep your family organised throughout the year. Every purchase directly supports vital wildlife conservation work through the RSPB. I am also selling a limited number through my Etsy shop.
(I am currently illustrating the birds for 2028!)
Newtown NNR: 14 New Panels for the National Trust!
I have spent the last six months collaborating with the National Trust on the Isle of Wight to create 14 brand-new interpretation panels for their flagship site, Newtown National Nature Reserve. This dream commission allowed me to combine historical storytelling with wildlife illustration, mapping Newtown's evolution from a bustling medieval port to the tranquil sanctuary it is today. The detailed panels span the reserve's diverse ecosystems—from mudflats, salt marshes, and estuaries to ancient meadows and woodlands—while highlighting historical gems like the Old Town Hall and the eccentric 1930s ‘guerilla conservationists,’ Ferguson’s Gang.
The absolute highlight of the project was an immersive creative retreat, staying in an on-site cabin to sketch the trails at dawn and dusk. With the reserve entirely to myself during the quiet hours, I enjoyed pure birdwatching bliss in the company of curlews, oystercatchers, little egrets, and golden plovers.
The complete series of 14 illustrated panels is currently being prepared for installation and will be officially unveiled to the public later this year. Stay tuned to this news page and social channels for upcoming sneak peeks and updates before the trail goes live!
A Perfect 10/10 Score from Mark Avery
Pelagic Publishing officially released Tarka Revisited by Ian Parsons this summer, marking the fifth book cover I have had the pleasure of illustrating for the publisher.
The book hits shelves exactly one century after Henry Williamson’s classic Tarka the Otter first captured the public's imagination. In this new release, Ian Parsons takes readers on a journey through the last hundred years of British rivers and the rollercoaster conservation history of the otter. It has been a wonderful experience bringing this important story to life visually, combining my love for British wildlife with my local wanderings along Hampshire's chalk streams.
Following its publication, the book was reviewed by prominent environmentalist, author, and former RSPB Conservation Director, Mark Avery, on his popular nature book blog. I am thrilled by his feedback regarding the cover art:
"The cover? I like it and immediately thought that it must be by Rachel Hudson who produced a beautiful cover for my own book Reflections and I was right. I feel no doubt about giving it 10/10."
New in my Etsy Shop →
Captured from the Shoreline
Discover new greetings cards in my Etsy Coastal & Seaward collection, inspired by recent travels in Scotland and the Isle of Wight. From diving eider ducks to vibrant salt marshes, find the perfect card for your next message.
