Grand piano concert tunes in to nature

Melvin Besbrode, who runs the piano emporium Besbrode Pianos in Leeds, volunteered the piano with his pianist friend Kevin James.

It was positioned in one of the AONB’s most iconic attractions, Brimham Rocks following an idea from Cause UK who represent Nidderdale AONB.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, MD of Cause UK, said: “The whole of the UK is stressed out of its mind from the pandemic.

“Lockdown has hit hard, and many small businesses and creatives have not received grants or full furlough support or are facing a very uncertain future.

“As we work in the arts and across the green agenda, the piano idea was a way to highlight how much we need both right now - how we should value it, why we should safeguard it.

“We need beauty, new horizons and the space to breathe to regenerate - mentally and creatively - now more than ever.”

Nationally, the UK’s nature is under threat, with 41 per cent of species in decline, with species of greatest conservation concern showing a 60 per cent decline since 1970.

In the arts, lockdown has made concerts, theatre and live events economically impossible to run, with Andrew Lloyd Webber warning the arts are at a “point of no return.”

Melvin Besbrode said: “Nature has inspired the greatest composers, poets and painters.

“Turning to nature is one of the most fundamental human impulses, whether it’s for hope and romance or finding solace in grief.

“If you think of songs that really endure, from I’ll Follow the Sun to What a Wonderful World to Chopin, Beethoven, we have nature to thank.”

Clair added: “The arts and nature are vital sources for well-being, health and humanity. The great outdoors is free to all – the Natural Health Service. There isn’t a more crucial time to prioritise and invest in conservation and safeguard our struggling arts sector.”

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty up and down the country celebrate Landscapes for Life Week from September 19. #MyNationalLandscapes aims to help people reconnect with nature by enjoying and being inspired by the UK’s AONBs.