I always need a work/life balance. Furlough took my work away so I needed something to balance my life. I needed something to replace busy, on your feet all day work-life. With a passion for nature, wildlife and the peace that I gained from it and with photography as one of my hobbies the decision was made. I swapped Chefs whites for camouflage clothes, upgraded my camera kit and instead of creative cooking started on creative and stunning landscape and wildlife photography. Embracing and blending in with nature, perfecting fieldcraft skills and getting to know natures habitats. It has helped me to relax and focus, proved the exercise that replaced the fidgeting of not being on my feet all day, helped me to master another technical skill, provided an artistic outlet, and particularly for wildlife photographs, enjoyed the calm and patience it brings.
The benefits to me have been enormous and at this particular time we need to look after and create new habitats for the future of wildlife and more than a sense of hope for all sections of our community.
During the current crisis, Shropshire Wildlife Trust anticipate that we will lose over £100,000 in funding in this financial year. They need the support of members and followers more than ever before to guarantee that they can continue to help nature recover and thrive in Shropshire. We all depend on nature; bees and insects pollinate our food plants, green spaces give us somewhere to rest and improve our wellbeing and outdoor areas allow us to exercise and stay healthy.
That is why their work is so essential, but they need our help to achieve it. Everyone is likely to be affected financially this year, but if enough of us work together to raise funds, we can all still make a positive impact.
Whether it was a mindful walk capturing autumnal hues on my mobile or sitting silently for a few hours in a bird hide with a Canon waiting for that Green Woodpecker to land, wildlife photography brought me peacefully into the present. I just needed to step outside to reap the rewards - left for the Long Mynd or right for Ragleth Hill.
My favourite walk is Snailbeach, Hollies, Brook Vesson and Stiperstones loop and my favourite reserve is Harton Hollow which provided three firsts for me, wild Fallow deer, Spotted Fly Catcher and Wood Warbler on the fabulous Wenlock Edge.