VIDEOGRAPHY
I enjoy creating short nature based films. Scroll to have a look at some of the films I have created!
The Tail of the White-tail
A documentary film that details the reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle to Britain, after being driven out by humans. This documentary also explores the issues farmers have with these eagles coming back. I produced this documentary for my final major project, completing my degree in Photojournalism.
I wanted to cover this topic because I believe it is an important discussion that deserved a documentary. I spent a year planning, filming and meeting and interviewing people. All the shots (without a credit in the bottom left corner) are my own.
I feel a very strong passion for protecting our native birds of prey and so although producing this film came with many challenges, I really went on a journey and learnt so many things along the way, and also had lots of fun!
Newport Wetlands Mindfulness Moment
Taking inspiration from BBC Springwatch where they include a section at the end of each episode called a 'mindfulness moment'. I was asked by RSPB Newport to create a short film that showcases the reserve in all its glory. I decided on no music for this as I wanted to create the effect of a meditation. The film was meant to be a moment to breath and feel like you are escaping into nature for a second. Visitors could enjoy watching this in the visitor centre.
Summer at Goldcliff
A film of sunnier days spent at Goldcliff lagoons. This reserve sees a number of visitors each year. Most of these clips were taken in the small drought we had in August 2022. This dried up the majority of the lagoons, although scary to see it allowed me to get closer shots of the waders and birds who had to gather in a small area of the reserve to stay in the water. Watch closely as the lapwings disappear from view in the dry dirt, nature is remarkable.
Power in Numbers
I created a film on the starling murmuration at RSPB Newport wetlands. I wanted this piece to demonstrate the power small birds can create when they come together in the numbers they do; a true beautiful demonstration of nature.
Cleaning up RSPB Newport Wetlands Foreshore with NRW
Our Welsh coastline is stunning, but as our consumption rises, so does the amount of rubbish that washes up on our shores. At RSPB Newport, we know it is more important than ever to make sure we clean up this mess, to help keep wildlife safe and stop micro-plastics seeping into our eco-system (but you may argue it is already too late for that). RSPB Newport help out NRW (Natural Resources Wales), who organise the event. I created this short video to show you what it was like cleaning up the foreshore.
Nature's Reclaim
I have always been compelled by the story of nature taking over again after man has destroyed a habitat. Newport Wetlands is the perfect example of this. Once a moonscape, completely desolate of any life due to a near by coal powered factory dumping ash. With a bit of help from the RSPB, nature was able to re-establish itself here and thrive. I created this short film detailing the story. Jeremy White, a fellow volunteer at Newport Wetlands is a human encyclopaedia when it comes to discussing this topic, so he was the perfect interviewee!
The Elegant Stilt
My first encounter with a stilt was on the Isle of Wight at RSPB Brading Marshes. Whilst visiting the reserve to see what wildlife I could film, a fellow bird watcher mentioned it was a rare bird, I had no idea! It was a joy to watch and film, they move so elegantly. I also had a rare species encounter the year before on my visit to this stunning reserve, I happened upon a flock of Glossy Ibis coming in to roost. You can find that on my YouTube channel.
RSPB Conwy
A little snapshot of my visit to RSPB Conwy in North Wales, Llandudno. I visited on the 6th of January. This reserve was really cute, it sits right on the estuary at Llandudno near the Great Orme. I believe it was made from the excess building material after the motorway was built. The motorway was right next to this reserve, as you can hear in the audio recording I took of the many birds there. I saw lots of bullfinch too which was lovely!
RSPB Newport Wetlands Summer
A short snippet of the wildlife to be spotted at RSPB Newport Wetlands and Goldcliff during the summer time. I really enjoyed shooting and putting this together for Newport Wetlands to show in the visitor centre. It's great to demonstrate what wildlife finds sanctuary at our reserve, as sometimes they are hard to spot on a flying visit - like the elusive bittern, unless luck is on your side, you need some patience to sit in the hide to catch a glimpse.
Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Reserve
I have recently started discovering Parc Slip Nature Reserve run by the Wildlife Trust. This reserve, similar to Newport Wetlands, is a classic example of how nature can reclaim a land. Once a mine, now a haven for creatures great and small. All 300 acres of it! 'This reserve occupies land that was once part of the Parc Slip coal mine, which opened in the 1860s. It was a drift mine – the underground coal seams were reached by a sloping tunnel rather than a vertical shaft. It was owned by the Ogmore Coal and Iron Company until 1889, and then by North's Navigation Company.'
Swan Rescue with Dr Sasha Norris
Dr Sasha Norris discusses the rescue of a swan that landed near a busy road in Hereford. This short video documents the swans release to Bodenham lake where it can join the other swans.
Making a Nest Box
This short film follows wildlife conservation student Morgan Griffiths as he creates a nest box for small birds such as coal tits, blue tits and house sparrows. Many birds, such as house sparrows are in decline, creating a nest box for them gives them a place to raise their young and also provides shelter in the winter.
The History of Talygarn Manor
One of the first films I created on my BA Photojournalism course. A topic I have always been interested in is the history of Talygarn Manor.
