A Muddy Walk in April
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, Stodmarsh, April 2016
It’s a crisp and clear Sunday morning, so we headed out to Stodmarsh for a walk around the nature reserve. This is a favourite spot, with plenty of room for the boys to run ahead and explore. It can get quite muddy at times, so wellies are a good idea unless it has been dry for a few weeks. I took this image of Milo along one of the paths, crouching to inspect some particularly interesting mud! I’m having a bit of a change of kit at the moment - the Fujifilm X-T1 has been traded in for the newer model, the X-T2, which has yet to arrive, so my trusty old X-E1 is stepping up again. This was also a first time out for the new Fujinon 16mm f/1.4 lens. I really like this focal length for landscapes and also for wider environmental portraits, but you probably wouldn’t want to get too close to your subject unless you are aiming for a more distorted and dramatic look!
Another favourite place for us! Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (NNR) is located just outside Canterbury between Stodmarsh Village and the Grove Ferry Picnic Site. It is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and experience spectacular wildlife, and is owned by Natural England and managed for wildlife and visitors. The nature trails across the Reserve will help you get the most from your visit and take you past the numerous wildlife hotspots. The reserve is particularly noted for its avian residents, so it is perfect for birdwatchers and nature photography - pack your long lenses! Dogs are welcome in many areas of the reserve if they are on a lead - but they are not allowed on the sign-posted ‘Short Circuit Nature Trail’ and the ‘Nature Trail Extension’ The main car park is east of Stodmarsh village, located along with the turn-off between the Red Lion pub and the church (CT3 4BB). Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. Cash donation boxes are sited in the car park (CT3 4BA) or at the Grove Ferry end of the reserve - money raised is used to help maintain the nature reserve. The beginning of the pathway from this car park is a purpose-built, compacted stone pathway with seating at regular intervals and periodic passing places, as well as access to the Reedbed Hide for wheelchairs, motor scooters and push-chair users.
Fujifilm X-E1 with XF 16mm f/1.4 lens, 1/360 sec, f/4, ISO 200, Lightroom, Silver Efex Pro 2
