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Thursday 28 May 2020

Fresh air

Four and a half years ago I moved to a country village in Sussex and the first thing I noticed was the lack of house sparrows. The village was marked as a place where the air quality was very poor, in fact one of the worst places in Britain. The reason being the vast amount of traffic taking a short cut and comming to a halt every 50m or so because of pedestian crossings, junctions, traffic lights and aircraft from the number of airports in the south east flying over 14 hours a day. With the introduction of lockdown the air now is wonderful, we now have bright blue skies, one can take a deep breath without coughing. I first noticed this change when a couple of hedgehogs appeared in the garden one night, then the foxes and badgers and now the sparrows which I have never seen in the village before. Today, three sparrows spent alot of time comming and going all afternoon.
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8 comments:

  1. Richard Pegler28 May 2020 at 11:56

    What an amazing and wonderful change, Mike! You've highlighted the one aspect of lockdown that I hope will not be reversed when this is over. I'd be interested to know which village you live in as Sussex is one of my favourite counties - I went to school there, and remember it as a place that was great for wildlife!

    Take great care - - - Richard

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    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood28 May 2020 at 13:01

      Hi Richard, I live in Storrington on the edge of the South Downs. Perfect spot for me. Stay safe. Mike.

      Delete
    2. Richard Pegler4 June 2020 at 15:46

      Used to cycle out round Storrington from school, just south of Horsham - it was a beautiful area then, and I hope it still is, Mike. Is the Hollygate Cactus Garden that used to be run by Edgar and Brian Lamb near Ashington still in existence? It was an amazing place to visit.

      Delete
    3. Mike Attwood4 June 2020 at 16:14

      I believe it still is Richard.

      Delete
  2. Phil Slade1 June 2020 at 08:31

    Very interesting Mike. It does sound as though less pollution has improved the environment for both humans and animals.

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  3. Mike Attwood1 June 2020 at 23:31

    It certainly has Phil, it is very noticable that there are more birds and the smells are cleaner and people can see the difference. Stay safe. Mike.

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  4. Titus John White9 June 2020 at 19:54

    Hi Mike,
    Great to have less pollution, just an awful way to get it. Wonderful to see the young fox with his hedgehog friend, have the hedgehogs taken up residence in the house yet.
    You stay safe
    John

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    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood10 June 2020 at 00:10

      Not yet John. I now find the hogs use another path into the garden. Its a long story but neighbours have disturbed them twice so they have moved home but not my way. They will find it soon. Stay safe. Mike.

      Delete

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Mike Attwood - Photographer

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About Me

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Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.