My Joy with collabrating with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

It's coming up to my twelfth year of working with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and for me, it's still a pleasure and a joy to collaborate with the Trust. 

They were my first clients when I first came to Ipswich in 2010 and have helped me get my business off the ground since arriving, and have helped me establish myself further working for others through the exposure the Trust has given my work. 

The Trust have just over 50 sites dotted around the beautiful county of Suffolk; some are magical at certain times of the year, and some are discreet, such as the secret meadow, which around June becomes a riot of colour and blossom and is just beautiful. I've even learnt how to hug trees and feel the benefit of being close to ancient and knobbly trees, some nearly 1000 years old. 

I've watched Woodpeckers and Cuckoos. Kingfishers and Waxwings, Herons, egrets, spoonbill snd cranes. Marvelled at Owls and other birds of prey flying past me to Wading birds and many more. 

Plus, I've been lucky enough to see a wide range of wild animals in their natural habitat, which I'd probably never have seen if I wasn't working with the Trust. And believe me, when I say, it's a big deal for someone like me who grew up in North London. I even joined the invertebrates course (insects lacking a backbone), but not for long; at least, I gave it a good go. 

But the most pleasing thing about my job working with the Trust is the people I get to meet. So many unique individuals, all with their own special knowledge, expertise, trade skills, or just their sheer enthusiasm for the Trust. From staff members to the hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to ensure each site, Woodland areas, coastal paths, bridle paths and marshes and reserves, plus so many other concerns within the Trust's remit, are cared for and looked after year after year. 

Clare Sheehan, the Trust's Design Manager, is my main point of contact, along with Sarah Groves, the Trust's Head of Communications. I remember Clare telling me that 'at the Trust, we have hundreds of incredible wildlife photographers, but what we don't have is a good 'people' photographer, someone who can speak to our volunteers, staff members and the general public. Something which is just perfect for me. 

And it's not only the Wildlife they keep an eye on; my last two shoots were with the Trust's Farm advisors and their Conservation Advisers. I even met and photographed a father and daughter volunteer team who captured and 'ring' wild birds to monitor their journeys. 

My next shoot for the Trust will be to capture staff images at their beautiful Knettishall Heath site. They also require photos of their wild ponies, visitors and the new Van café; some nice shots of the van team in action (serving smiley customers) with food and close-ups. Plus shots of the playscape with happy kids and some pictures of families playing by the water. So, this full range of new images will help to rebrand and promote the new services at the heath.  

I'm looking forward to the next ten years, or maybe even longer, working with the Trust; for me, it's a great collaboration with which I'm proud to be associated.