Wildlife Encounters in Changing Landscapes
Lost Walks (2024) Mixed Media
Our usual early morning dog walk has been disrupted by metal fences that now barricade the usual route around the field. There will be no more peaceful sunrise walks with long summer grasses brushing past our legs. There will be no random daffodils, Fireweed, and Toadflax to photograph. I feel the need to capture them every year because they look different in some way. Most sadly of all though, there will be no more Lupins which I have looked forward to every springtime.
Maze doesn’t know why we can’t turn right anymore. Every morning she stands to look through the fence at the space. This has been her morning routine nearly all her life.
Neighbours, fellow dog walkers, and human walkers are lamenting the loss of this once appreciated open space. The wider community is also voicing concerns and expressing their sadness. But, it’s important to remember that the homes we enjoy were once an open space enjoyed by someone. My own home was the first house in the road and was a small farm. That said, this space and the fields beyond the woods which have also succumbed to developers, will be sorely missed. Most importantly, the wildlife will be forced out. In the last few days, I have seen more deer and more rabbits. I also spotted a field mouse that bolted out of the hedgerow straight into my path. I shrieked (not a fan, although I admit it was cute) and the creature looked startled and ran away (phew).
Everything Changes as the wonderful Gary Barlow once wrote and we can either fight these changes or embrace them. Sometimes change is for the better. The field in our road has fallen prey in recent years to wildfires. They are creeping closer each time to the back garden fences.
Life is already too short for fighting I think.
Samantha Humphreys 