A really emotive piece of writing Sarah and some lovely images.
I feel the same way, I too would be howling at the moon. I mourn the loss of wildlife that has disappeared in my lifetime and I know that what seemed plentiful in my youth was in fact already depleted. It is hard not to feel helpless and to hang on to hope but I have come to the conclusion that whilst my individual actions may have little impact they do count.
Perhaps my job as a photographer and someone who cares deeply for the natural world is to use my images and words to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of our landscapes and my workshops to foster a greater connection with nature. If we all start to take more notice and demand more action then maybe we will have cause to hope?
So true Gill, if everyone does a little, the cumulative effect is massive. We need a way of making sure our voices are heard, and photography is such a powerful way of showing people who don’t normally notice nature what we are meaning. I have been delighted to share my photographs with workshops and school groups and they love seeing the little things made big. Thank you for reading, commenting and supporting.
These tremendous losses of wildlife are happening everywhere, because borders and nations are modern human constructs: 30 percent loss of birds here in North America since 1970; less insects, more pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Plenty of reasons to despair.
So, what do I do? What I can to keep the wildlife in my little patch of earth alive and thriving. I provide the food that the birds, the squirrels, Henry the cat, the odd skunk and the insects (leaf litter) need.
Besides raising awareness, which your fine article does, and what I do weekly, there is not more that I can do.
Thank you for reading, and leaving your thoughts Perry. The most important thing is to care, and to notice nature. If we don’t see it, we can’t make changes happen. Your care for the birds and animals in your yard, are wonderful acts of caring. You are already doing something. Maybe, sharing with others and creating a small community of others who notice the birds and backyard animals will be enough to make a difference. That’s what we can all do in our Substack community anyway. We too feed our birds, they are simply perfect. Knowing that others care so much, is like a balm.
with you sister. I feel this so deeply. I'm also working to protect the ancient forests. the life bringers. the regenerators. I'm here with you. In the cloud forest near Machu Picchu
Thank you , I am honoured to connect with you in our shared love of the forests - Kintyre temperate rainforest united with cloud forest in Machu Picchu - who knew this could ever be possible 🥰
We are so much more connected than we know. I’m so grateful for this platform and the internet. Sister. i have chills in our reconnection. Truly excited to continue being in touch and working together.
I see you writing this, this morning, with those winds and that rain and feel your despair. But there is hope. I see the shouting you are doing, and thank you xx
It feels less lonely writing it down. Just back from feeding the ponies, soaked to the skin, but it was still beautiful out there in the rain and sleet and happily the lighter wind.
Thank you Alexander, your words always give me hope and comfort. If we all do something little, to make a difference, then together we do something truly great to protect our amazing world.
I really do believe nature will (eventually) repair and heal herself. Of course, whether we are around as a species to see this is really the pertinent question—only, that’s not how it is framed in the media, not a question of our survival, but a more abstract version of the world, or nature, or wildlife etc. If it was reframed, if different language was used, then I think more people would pay attention. I like to think it is already starting, but we shall see! As you say, coming together to make small changes, to share our own words like this, these things can become a trickle then, before you know it, a flood.
A really emotive piece of writing Sarah and some lovely images.
I feel the same way, I too would be howling at the moon. I mourn the loss of wildlife that has disappeared in my lifetime and I know that what seemed plentiful in my youth was in fact already depleted. It is hard not to feel helpless and to hang on to hope but I have come to the conclusion that whilst my individual actions may have little impact they do count.
Perhaps my job as a photographer and someone who cares deeply for the natural world is to use my images and words to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of our landscapes and my workshops to foster a greater connection with nature. If we all start to take more notice and demand more action then maybe we will have cause to hope?
So true Gill, if everyone does a little, the cumulative effect is massive. We need a way of making sure our voices are heard, and photography is such a powerful way of showing people who don’t normally notice nature what we are meaning. I have been delighted to share my photographs with workshops and school groups and they love seeing the little things made big. Thank you for reading, commenting and supporting.
These tremendous losses of wildlife are happening everywhere, because borders and nations are modern human constructs: 30 percent loss of birds here in North America since 1970; less insects, more pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Plenty of reasons to despair.
So, what do I do? What I can to keep the wildlife in my little patch of earth alive and thriving. I provide the food that the birds, the squirrels, Henry the cat, the odd skunk and the insects (leaf litter) need.
Besides raising awareness, which your fine article does, and what I do weekly, there is not more that I can do.
Thank you for reading, and leaving your thoughts Perry. The most important thing is to care, and to notice nature. If we don’t see it, we can’t make changes happen. Your care for the birds and animals in your yard, are wonderful acts of caring. You are already doing something. Maybe, sharing with others and creating a small community of others who notice the birds and backyard animals will be enough to make a difference. That’s what we can all do in our Substack community anyway. We too feed our birds, they are simply perfect. Knowing that others care so much, is like a balm.
with you sister. I feel this so deeply. I'm also working to protect the ancient forests. the life bringers. the regenerators. I'm here with you. In the cloud forest near Machu Picchu
Thank you , I am honoured to connect with you in our shared love of the forests - Kintyre temperate rainforest united with cloud forest in Machu Picchu - who knew this could ever be possible 🥰
We are so much more connected than we know. I’m so grateful for this platform and the internet. Sister. i have chills in our reconnection. Truly excited to continue being in touch and working together.
I see you writing this, this morning, with those winds and that rain and feel your despair. But there is hope. I see the shouting you are doing, and thank you xx
It feels less lonely writing it down. Just back from feeding the ponies, soaked to the skin, but it was still beautiful out there in the rain and sleet and happily the lighter wind.
There is indeed hope. It has to be active and, I fear, may come as a result of other changes out of our hands, but hope it remains.
Thank you for this. We are many and, I believe, we are finding a shared voice.
Change is certainly coming.
Thank you Alexander, your words always give me hope and comfort. If we all do something little, to make a difference, then together we do something truly great to protect our amazing world.
I really do believe nature will (eventually) repair and heal herself. Of course, whether we are around as a species to see this is really the pertinent question—only, that’s not how it is framed in the media, not a question of our survival, but a more abstract version of the world, or nature, or wildlife etc. If it was reframed, if different language was used, then I think more people would pay attention. I like to think it is already starting, but we shall see! As you say, coming together to make small changes, to share our own words like this, these things can become a trickle then, before you know it, a flood.