Born in West Hythe, Kent, I have lived in London for many years. Even so, I have never lost my great love for the countryside and all its attractions. Now that I have retired, I am able to devote much more time to my photography. Although I am very passionate about wild life and nature. I regard myself as very much a novice. I would, therefore, welcome any corrections to my identification of birds, fungi, butterflies etc.

It was a spur of the moment decision one evening in July to visit Leigh-on-Sea in Essex and a chance meeting with a lovely couple while walking back to my car. An impromptu conversation about photography, which led to me being asked if I was on Flickr. My answer was 'no' because I hadn't heard of Flickr, the guy then gave me his card and suggested I take a look.

The guy in question was 'Lightpoacher' (check out his photos on Flickr - Outstanding!) That evening I went on Flickr for the first time, and now I'm hooked. So many wonderful images, so many talented photographers.

Each of my photos has its own little story, or hold a special memory for me, and I'm sure this will be the case for most of the other Flickr users.

Now I find myself at every opportunity looking at the amazing work of the people I'm following and the photos of those who they have favoured.

Thanks for talking the time to view my photos. I hope that in time there will be a gradual improvement.

Should anyone wish to use any of my photographs, please feel free to do so. I would be flattered and somewhat surprised.

'The camera is an instrument that teaches people to see without a camera' - Dorothea Lange (1895-1965)

'When people ask me what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes' - anonymous