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Landscape photographer Mike McFarlane has cycled into Cumbria as part of a conservation-inspired visual arts project, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts.
Morecambe Bay and the Lake District are now in Mike’s sights during his 12-month tour of the UK using mainly public transport and a bicycle.
Mike set off from his County Durham home in April and has travelled from the Isles of Scilly and will eventually finish in Scotland in May. He arrived in Cumbria a week ago and will remain in the county until the end of the month.
This project will see the creation of stunning 360° interactive colour images of landscape-scale conservation schemes in the county. Cumbria Wildlife Trust believes the images will inspire local residents about the natural world whilst illustrating the variety, scope and importance of its vision for A Living Landscape.
Through the development of Living Landscape schemes, the once traditional focus of conservation has been broadened: from protecting individual nature reserves to considering the landscape as a whole. Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s 35 nature reserves form the basis of these schemes.
Mike will capture stunning colour images and create high resolution panoramas and virtual reality “tours”. On completion of the UK tour Mike will produce a complete set of 360° photographs for the scheme. Cumbria Wildlife Trust will use the visual materials at events and on its website.
Mike is a landscape photographer, specialising in landscape, architectural and 360° virtual reality tour photography. Through his use of public transport and bike, Mike’s carbon footprint will be substantially less than driving the route by car and taking more flights. Mike said: “When I left my job as an engineer to pursue a career as a landscape photographer I very much wanted my business to be ethical and environmentally-friendly and, not only entertain people, but to educate and inspire. I’m excited to see how Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s schemes are capturing the imagination of local communities, bringing people together for long-lasting positive change.
“Ultimately, I want to be able to show people we have achingly beautiful places here in Cumbria, worth protecting for the next generation and beyond. What better way to achieve that aim than helping to raise awareness of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s vision for A Living Landscape.”
You can follow Mike’s travels via his website www.mikemcfarlane.co.uk or on Twitter @mikejmcfarlane.
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