Long Itchington – A Wild Parish
A photographic survey of the parish 2014-2015. A snapshot in time.
On a brisk autumnal day in 2014, wildlife warden John Shenkman began his travels to create a snapshot of the wildlife that resides within the borders of the parish of Long Itchington. He roamed far and wide, observing and recording what he encountered.
The photographs are his record of his journey through the nature that calls this parish its home.
His record contains over 400 photographs of our surroundings, from autumn 2014 until the present.
“Analysing and annotating the photographs took days during which I was confined to a room lined with books. After I was finished, I went for a walk across stubbly fields bordered by ancient hedges resplendent in autumn colours.
Our surroundings change gently through the seasons. The acres of cereal interspersed with woods, hedges, and lanes exists on a mostly hidden substrate of Jurassic limestone. Migrating birds come and go. Wildflowers blossom and seed from January through to November. Bees and butterflies enjoy their nectar. “Greensleeves” and “The Lark Ascending” are an apt expression of how we regard our countryside.
There were several reasons why I was asked to take those pictures. One was to record what was in the parish, another was to encourage people to get out and enjoy it and as a consequence, care for it. Photography is the easy part.”
“Our natural surroundings are an easy way of reminding ourselves of what we are. In our parish there are ancient buildings and Anglo-Saxon hedges. Wildflowers blossom almost throughout the year. Leaves and trees have form and patterns showing reason.
There are many books available to help make walks interesting. Perhaps these photos might help. The reward might be a healthy body and mind.”
Dr John Shenkman
