Lockdown gave many of us the chance to reconnect with nature and what was important in our lives.
For an animal lover from Nottinghamshire, adding photographs helped her through the pandemic.
Now she hopes to inspire others to pick up a camera as part of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild Challenge.
Sophie Bell is a Wildlife Trust volunteer. During the lockdown, she set up a wildlife photography page (@adayinthewildlifesoph) to share her local nature and knowledge with others.
She said, “Wildlife photography has kept me in touch with nature during a very difficult time and I want to continue to make sure that I don’t lose that connection when life gets busier again.
Sophie Bell, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Volunteer
(Image: Sophie Bell)
“During 30 Days Wild, I’ll be exploring more and photographing as many different animals as I can find around me – be it deer in Wollaton Hall or a bumblebee in my yard!”
Sophie encourages Nottinghamshire residents to rise to the challenge by engaging in daily photography with local wildlife through June.
Photography is a wonderful way to share the outdoors and connect with others, and you don’t have to be an expert to join in as most phones have amazing cameras, especially for close-ups of insects and small creatures.
Sophie’s picture of a bee
(Image: Sophie Bell)
Sophie said, “It can be very therapeutic to take photos, but it can also be exciting when you can get a good shot. It’s something you don’t have to take too seriously, just work with what you have and try it out is great fun!
“Something a little different always makes an interesting photo. Try to take a photo of wildlife that you normally wouldn’t take much notice of. Then you could go even wilder to find out what you photographed. It’s one great way to learn more about nature on your doorstep.
“At the weekend, for example, my car broke down on the motorway, but I noticed that there is a lot of life on the side of the road too. I pulled out my phone and tried to get a good video of a bumblebee, something I don’t usually notice or stop to take a picture. This gave me a new appreciation for the nature that surrounds us even in the most unexpected places. “
For wildlife photography inspiration, visit Sophie’s Instagram page and share your nature photos with # 30DaysWild on social media or join The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild group on Facebook with nearly 50,000 other wildlife fans at https://www.facebook. com / groups / 382991451896661