Month Sponsored: April
Location: Click here to find Rachel on Instagram
Meet Rachel Cobb Art
Each year, our calendar sponsors play a vital role in helping the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust continue its conservation work, protecting one of the Island’s most loved native species.
We are delighted to introduce our April Calendar Sponsor, Rachel Cobb Art, a local wildlife artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty and wildlife of the Isle of Wight.
Tell us a little about your business, what you do, where you’re based and who you help
I run Rachel Cobb Art, a small independent business based in Binstead on the Isle of Wight.
I create realistic hand-painted wildlife and pet portraits on rustic, ethically sourced wood pieces. I’m inspired by time spent outdoors walking and cycling around the Island, where encounters with local wildlife, especially red squirrels, influence many of my designs and artworks.
My art helps wildlife lovers and pet owners connect with the animals they love. I enjoy supporting our local community and take part in many markets and creative events. I’m proud to be part of the I Love Wight events, which bring together independent creatives to showcase and sell their work.
My aim is to create artwork that helps people feel the same emotions and connections to animals that they experience in real life.
Why did you choose to sponsor a month in our calendar?
As my artwork is inspired by British wildlife, especially red squirrels, supporting them felt completely natural to me and my business.
The Trust works incredibly hard to protect and improve habitats for the Island’s red squirrels and relies heavily on community support and sponsorship to continue its conservation work. By sponsoring a month, I hope to contribute in a small way while also celebrating them through my artwork.
What does supporting local wildlife or conservation mean to you or your business?
Supporting local wildlife and conservation is very important to me. My artwork is inspired by the wildlife around us, so protecting those animals and their habitats matters deeply.
Living on the Isle of Wight, we are incredibly lucky to have wildlife such as red squirrels, and I want my work to help celebrate and raise awareness of these special species.
Through my art, I hope to encourage people to appreciate nature more and feel connected to the wildlife around them. Supporting organisations and local conservation helps ensure these animals and habitats can be enjoyed and protected for future generations.
What is your favourite thing about red squirrels or the Island’s natural environment, and why?
My favourite thing about red squirrels is how they instantly lift your mood. They are tiny sparks of joy, their beautiful fur and playful leaps turn any woodland walk into a moment of magic.
Catching sight of one brings an instant smile, a gentle reminder from nature to pause and enjoy the day.
Why do you feel it’s important to support local charities or community projects?
Local charities and community projects play a vital role in protecting the things that make our communities special.
On the Isle of Wight, organisations like the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust work tirelessly to protect local wildlife and habitats, often relying on the support of local people and small businesses.
As a wildlife artist, it feels important to give something back to the environment and community that inspires my work. Supporting local charities helps protect the wildlife and natural spaces we all value while bringing people together through a shared appreciation of nature.
What’s coming up for your business in the year ahead?
Over the coming year, I’m hoping to grow my range of hand-painted wildlife pieces, including new hand-painted wooden pin badges, featuring our beautiful red squirrels.
I will be donating 50% of every red squirrel pin badge sold to the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust.
👉 https://rachelcobbart.sumupstore.com/product/handpainted-wooden-pin-badges
I’m also looking forward to sharing my work with more people through local markets and creative events. You can see where I’ll be appearing by following my social accounts — Rachel Cobb Art.
My goal is to continue creating unique, hand-painted pieces that celebrate nature and help people feel connected to the wildlife around them.
In one sentence, why would you encourage other local businesses to support the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust?
I’d encourage other local businesses to support the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust because protecting the red squirrel helps preserve one of the most special parts of the Island’s wildlife and natural heritage for future generations.
🌿 Thank you to Rachel Cobb Art for supporting red squirrel conservation on the Isle of Wight.
Local sponsorships like this help us continue vital habitat management, monitoring, and protection work, ensuring red squirrels remain part of our Island landscape for generations to come.
To find out more about getting involved with our 2027 calendar today, visit 2027 Calendar Sponsorship – Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust