Shot of the landscape
Wednesday 13th April 2011
Visual arts project will put UK conservation in the frame
Landscape photographer Mike McFarlane will today (Wed 13 Apr) set-off on a 12 month tour of the UK as part of a unique conservation-inspired visual arts project, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts.
Using mainly public transport and a bicycle, Mike will cover thousands of miles as he travels around the UK visiting places from the Isles of Scilly up to the highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Man and Alderney until May 2012.
The project, funded by the Tubney Charitable Trust, will see the creation of more than 100 stunning 360° interactive colour images of landscape-scale conservation schemes in the UK. The Wildlife Trusts believe these images will inspire people about the natural world and illustrate the variety, scope and importance of the conservation organisation’s vision for A Living Landscape.
Ultimately, I want to be able to show people we have plenty of beautiful places in the UK worth protecting for the next generation and beyond
Through the development of Living Landscape schemes, the once traditional focus of conservation has been broadened: from protecting individual nature reserves to considering the landscape as a whole. Many of The Wildlife Trusts’ 2,300 nature reserves form the basis of these schemes.
By touring The Wildlife Trusts’ landscape-scale conservation schemes - covering more than one million hectares - Mike McFarlane will capture stunning colour images and create high resolution panoramas and virtual reality ‘tours’.
On completion of the tour Mike McFarlane will produce a complete set of 360° photographs showcasing A Living Landscape across the UK. The Wildlife Trusts will use the visual materials in visitor centres, at events and on websites as part of its centenary celebrations in 2012.
Paul Wilkinson, The Wildlife Trusts’ head of Living Landscape, said:
“We believe this project will help illustrate how closely nature ties in with the way we live our lives. Over the next 12 months, Mike will cycle thousands of miles highlighting the importance of wildlife moving freely through our countryside; something it needs to be able to do if it’s to adapt to climate change.
“The Wildlife Trusts have spent 100 years safeguarding wildlife havens. Now our nature reserves need to form an integral part of wider functioning landscapes. We are working to create more natural landscapes - involving landowners, farmers and local communities - in rural and urban areas. These large-scale schemes, driven by local people, help alleviate floods, control pollution and help us cope with extremes of temperature.”
Mike McFarlane is a landscape photographer, specialising in landscape, architectural and 360° virtual reality tour photography. Through his use of public transport and cycling, Mike’s carbon footprint will be substantially less than driving the route by car or taking more flights. Mike said:
“When I left my job as an engineer to pursue a career as a landscape photographer I very much wanted my business to be ethical and environmentally-friendly and, not only entertain people, but to educate and inspire. To improve the environment is to improve the future quality of life for everyone who lives, works and plays there. But A Living Landscape promises more. I’m excited to see how The Wildlife Trusts’ schemes are capturing the imagination of entire communities, bringing people together for long-lasting positive change.
“Ultimately, I want to be able to show people we have plenty of beautiful places in the UK worth protecting for the next generation and beyond. What better way to achieve that aim than helping raise awareness of The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape.”
You can follow Mike’s travels via his website www.mikemcfarlane.co.uk or on Twitter @mikejmcfarlane.
Experience an example of the virtual reality tours Mike will create http://www.wildlifetrusts.mikemcfarlane.co.uk/druridge/druridge.html
Story by RSWT
More Information
For interviews, images or more information about Mike McFarlane, contact:
Suse McFarlane. Mobile: 07917 210 671. Email: susan@mikemcfarlane.co.uk
For interviews, images or more information about The Wildlife Trusts, contact:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager) Office: 01636 670075 / Mobile: 07887 754659 / Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer)
Office: 01636 670057 / Mobile: 07887 754657 / Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org