Hello my name is Lewis.
I am a retired Financial Adviser
and Insurance agent. I work as a volunteer at the
Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve. I indulge in photography and I am passionate about the
conservation of our and all wildlife. I believe that they deserve a
place to live on this planet without harassment from us.
I am a member of the RSPB,
Somerset Wildlife Trust and SOS and the Co-op.
A dozen lenses and three camera's
later I am still trying to capture a good shot. Many of the lenses I
have used in the past have been old style mechanical lenses with the
appropriate adapter for my Canon DSLR. None of these proved
satisfactory. I bought a Canon 70-300mm USM IS lens only to be
disappointed with its performance.
I now use a Canon 450D body with Canon
100-400mm Zoom IS USM lens and a Canon EF 5.6 400mm + 1.4 extender. The
extender disables the AF function so its not used a great deal
unless the subject decides to pose whilst one
focuses manually.
My lens of choice is the Canon
400mm f5.6 as I can't lift the better ones, I think its
the best lens for BIF shots that can be hand held.
The photos of the wildlife living at
the Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve are my contribution to the record.
All of images of the wild birds, mammals flora and fauna are taken
in the reserve. Roe Deer regularly drink and forage at the waters
edge. Fox are always present, Rabbits, Gray Squirrels,
Despite its location and lack of funding this place is alive with some
of the most wonderful birds and wildlife visitors.
The waters of the reservoir once fed the
Chard Canal
until its closure it is now a haven for the migratory and
indigenous birdlife.
The woodland surrounds the Reservoir
and is in danger of being overrun by
Rhododendron
ponticum.
Urgent work is underway to eradicate this killer.
I live in Chaffcombe on the outskirts of the town of
Chard. I can reach the Local Nature Reserve within minutes on foot so I
spend a lot of time there. I want to share with you the incredible
amount of beautiful wildlife on the reserve.
I am enjoy baking my own bread .
I also make all my own beer and country wines. When I am not doing
that I make bird/bat/bee boxes for wildlife reserves and public
areas.