I have always been interested in wildlife, nature and the countryside. I am a keen gardener and have an allotment. Following a long term illness I decided to take up photography thinking it might be a nice, gentle hobby for me.

I started photography in summer 2010 and went to evening classes to learn more. I was hooked. It turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done.

I have created a wildlife garden which enabled me to photograph birds, insects, flowers and animals first hand. The garden and pond were a success. I have many species of birds resident, nesting and vistiting. A turtle dove and a ring tailed parakeet were among the more unusual birds to pass through.

I am fortunate to have mature oak trees at the end of the garden in which squirrels have set up home. The garden is also home to many species of insects, some of which I knew nothing about, until I started photography. Frogs, toads and newts are resident in the pond. I have also seen a grass snake (sadly after the newts). Hedgehogs are present in the woodland garden and hibernate behind our old wood shed.

I like looking at the world through macro, what a fascinating place it is. You do not need to go far to find something beautiful and interesting.

I enjoy looking at other people's photos And making new contacts. I will always try to comment and appreciate comments in return. I am open to suggestions, advice, criticism, be it constructive or otherwise as I think this is a good way to learn.

I am in partial remission now and look forward to getting out and about more to develop my photography further.

I look forward to making new Flickr friends and contacts in the future.

Thanks to all those who take the time and make the effort to comment.