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Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, who grew up in Bitterne Park, unveiled new artwork on the exterior of Cobbett Road Library on Saturday (July 13).
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Chris has said that he spent many hours as a child at the library, sometimes doing his homework there after school, and he’s supported the library’s friends group in campaigns against cuts to services.
At the time he used inspiring words to explain how the library helped him to “significantly supplement” his education.
“I read, revised, plotted and schemed; I dreamed and devised a life in those semi-silent rooms,” he said.
“And now libraries are so, so much more: Cobbett Road Library is many things to many people of all ages and all walks of life”.
Joanna Rose Tidey’s artwork features a fox – said to be Chris’s favourite mammal – as well as some of the books he’s authored, as a reminder of the importance of knowledge and books in the mission to protect wildlife and the planet.
“It was amazing to make visible the connection between books and nature, and painting a fox for Chris – who loves them so much. [It] was a fantastic opportunity,” said Joanna.
The Friends of Cobbett Road Library [FOCRL] commissioned the piece as part of a wider ‘Nature all around us’ art trail around Bitterne Manor, led by Friends of Bitterne Station and funded by a South Western Railways community improvement fund, which Chris also opened on Saturday.
Inspired by Packham’s work, and his love for nature and wildlife, as well as books and libraries, FOCRL are working with the council to provide a new special collection hosted at Cobbett, which will focus on learning about our planet, protecting wildlife, reconnecting with nature and inviting readers to engage with stories that have nature and wildlife at the core.
It will include a wide range of children’s titles, non-fiction books, stories for teenagers and young people, as well as fiction and non-fiction work for adults.
“We hope that this collection will inspire many to reconnect with local nature and help engage with actions to #RestoreNatureNow, Chris Packham’s recent national campaign,” said FOCRL’s Roberta.
Artist Joanna Rose Tidey with Chris Packham either side of her artwork at Cobbett Road Library. Photo: FOBS
“It will also add to the unique heritage of the local library, making it a destination point for families and residents who want to learn more about these themes.”
The Friends will start the new collection with a donation of £800 from their local fundraising efforts, but members of the community are also invited to support the project by suggesting new inspiring titles, or by making a donation towards the purchase of a specific book. If you would like to contribute, you can get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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