A View of the Wildlife Awards Images in Luton

Product Designer, Peter Carr and I took time out to visit the Stockwood Discovery Centre and the Exhibition of the British Wildlife Photography Awards on display there. I also took the opportunity to add him as a figure viewing some of the images, since earlier I had only been able to show the layout of the displayed pictures when I had been fortunate just before it opened.

For those with an interest in wildlife, a visit to see these images is highly recommended; the standard is superb – not only are they varied, there is much humour in the scenes covered, both Peter and I laughed out loud on several occasions, or made comments as we looked at pictures that brought back memories of our own. The range of animals, insects and small plants was extensive and intriguing as were the range of activities and locations, also once again, it was pleasing to see work from the young. Luck, patience and perception were all in abundance and it was obvious in many cases that the photographer would certainly have had some tough conditions to endure in order to capture the shots on show. I found it very inspiring, but such a shame that in the more than an hour of our time there, there were no other visitors. This display is an annual gem that deserves to be viewed in greater numbers.

It is open till March the fifteenth, and for those unfamiliar with the Discovery Centre, there is much to see beyond this particular exhibition, there is a whole courtyard devoted to the local history of Bedfordshire, the display of carriages and articles from Luton’s rich past, and Vauxhall cars over the years. Then there are numerous gardens to take a stroll through, as well as an area devoted exclusively for young children which is generally very well attended and enjoyed, as is the restaurant.

I grabbed a few other incidentals before I left and my eye was caught by the intertwined tangles of the reeds on my way, so took a few shots of these before taking the car to the petrol station to fill up for the rest of the week’s driving. Altogether a worthwhile hour and a half on an otherwise dull day.

British Wildlife Photography Awards 2015

Stockwood Discovery Centre Hosts British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition

I have been taking photos at the Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton over some years now, and had a meeting this morning with Ian Haswell who heads the Exhibition and Visitor Attractions side of the operations there. After our meeting, he invited me to a sneak preview of the exhibition of wildlife pictures that is due to open this weekend, so I have taken a few images to give an impression of what visitors can expect should they come along.

Naturally I have avoided majoring on individual photos, rather I have just chosen a few different angles to give an impression of the layout. What I can say is that once again the standard of the photographs on display in the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition is very high indeed, and I look forward to visiting to take a close look at all that is on show.

Whether you have visited this annual exhibition in past years or not, you will not be disappointed by these pictures, and I highly recommend anyone take the time to come along to this display of photos taken by people of all ages and appreciate the talents of those who have captured these moments in the lives of these animals and birds.

You might even take a look at the more permanent exhibits in the Transport section, or if the weather is not too inclement, take a stroll in the gardens; they are truly a gem in the crown of Luton's many attractions. At this time of year, the gardens are being pruned and preened for the coming season, so there is not the colour there will be in Spring, but a stroll along the paths that wend their way through will still be rewarding, you could be lucky to see a pair of small owls or a red kite being mobbed by a pair of magpies as was the case just earlier this morning, there are squirrels, sadly grey not red, and there are robins and tits.

As I walked back through the garden on my way out, I saw this shadow with a backdrop of grasses blowing in the breeze; it caught my eye and I had to time it just right to get exactly this image, but it is not the shadow of a flower!

There are many examples in the garden, where different colours and textures present interesting backdrops to grasses, foliage and flowers…