Newcastle Mangroves

Mangroves: The Lifeline of the Ecosystem

Mangroves are a crucial indicator of environmental health, reflecting the state of the broader ecosystem. This dense and rugged forest serves as a vital habitat for a diverse range of species, embodying the unique interplay between land and sea.

In Newcastle, this striking landscape is home to resident Flying Foxes, adding to its rich biodiversity. While seemingly inhospitable to humans, countless creatures thrive within the tangled roots and thick canopies of the mangrove forest.

In my drawing, I aimed to capture the density and rawness of this environment—the fullness of the trees, the intricate web of roots, and the way the forest seems to extend endlessly. One of the biggest technical challenges was depicting the reflections in the water, creating a mirrored effect that dominates the entire composition. The result is an image that immerses the viewer in the untamed beauty of this essential ecosystem.

Ink drawing of Newcastle Mangroves

Flying foxes resting in the Mangroves.