Norwich art and design studio St Jude's has won a British Designer of the Year award for the second consecutive year thanks to an artist and printmaker with a love of our heritage. Emma Harrowing talks to Mark Hearld about his love of the birds and the beasts

This season's heritage look for the home has triggered a resurgence for not only plaid and tweed but also for British animal motifs. From deers, owls, squirrels, birds and the fox the British countryside appears on home accessories like never before. Now it is time for a new animal to enter this design fold - the hare.

When artist and printmaker Mark Hearld, one of the designers of Norwich-based studio St Judes, was one of the winners of the British Design Awards this year, it was for his Harvest Hare linocut print on wallpaper. The 38 year old designer takes the accolade in his stride and already he is working on another project.

'The Harvest Hare design came about after I was inspired by a walk in the countryside,' says Mark. 'The fields were in harvest and so the colour palette was phenomenal. Suddenly a hare leapt out in front of me and bounded away - it was awe-inspiring.'

I'm talking to Mark over the telephone as he prepares for his solo exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The Birds and Beasts exhibition showcases new work which as usual covers different mediums.

'There is over 60 framed works plus a flock of flying pigeons, hand painted wooden animals an pottery slip cast hares,' says Mark.

The exhibition seems to be a monograph of his work to date. Mark's commissions include set design for the 2005 film Nanny McPhee, a collection of ceramics for the Tate and illustrations for children's book A First Book of Nature written by Nicola Davis.

You can find out more about Mark Hearld and see more of his work in your Evening News tomorrow (Saturday December 15 2012. There is also a competition to win a luxury hamper from The Window Coffee on Wensum Street.