Hello, I'm Robert.
As a photographer, spending hours out in nature waiting for the perfect shot gives you a front-row seat to the beauty of the natural world. But it also exposes how fragile these environments really are e.g., Deforestation, Fireworks going off in Habitats, Loss of Water/climate change in General.
I believe that photography is one of the most powerful tools we have for conservation. If a picture can make someone pause and appreciate an animal, it can also make them want to protect it.
This page is a space where my photography meets action. Below, you'll find the stories behind the shots, the realities of the threats these species face, and—most importantly—what we can do about it.
Roe Deer:
Where it was taken: Forfar
Conservation Status: Least Concern (but populations face distinct localized pressures)
The Conservation Reality:
While roe deer are common across the UK, their natural woodland habitats are increasingly fragmented by deforestation and expanding urban areas. Furthermore, urban wildlife habitats are heavily disrupted by seasonal events—such as fireworks—which cause severe stress, panic, and disorientation for mammals and nesting birds trying to survive in local green spaces.
While roe deer are common across the UK, their natural woodland habitats are increasingly fragmented by deforestation and expanding urban areas. Furthermore, urban wildlife habitats are heavily disrupted by seasonal events—such as fireworks—which cause severe stress, panic, and disorientation for mammals and nesting birds trying to survive in local green spaces.
(Source: RSPB)
Northern Gannet:
Where it was taken: Spay Bay, Moray
Conservation Status: UK Amber Listed (Recently devastated by disease)
The Conservation Reality:
Northern Gannets are famous for their breathtaking 30-metre plunge dives, but beneath the surface, they are facing an unprecedented crisis. Key UK colonies—which hold over half of the entire global gannet population—were severely hit by a devastating outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 bird flu), causing adult numbers on iconic sites like Bass Rock to plummet by nearly a third. Because these birds live long lives and raise very few chicks each year, researchers warn it could take at least 15 years for colonies to fully recover. This heavy blow comes on top of existing threats like marine plastic pollution—where gannets accidentally weave synthetic fishing ropes and ghost nets into their nests, trapping both adults and chicks—and the growing collision risks from poorly sited offshore wind farms.
Northern Gannets are famous for their breathtaking 30-metre plunge dives, but beneath the surface, they are facing an unprecedented crisis. Key UK colonies—which hold over half of the entire global gannet population—were severely hit by a devastating outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 bird flu), causing adult numbers on iconic sites like Bass Rock to plummet by nearly a third. Because these birds live long lives and raise very few chicks each year, researchers warn it could take at least 15 years for colonies to fully recover. This heavy blow comes on top of existing threats like marine plastic pollution—where gannets accidentally weave synthetic fishing ropes and ghost nets into their nests, trapping both adults and chicks—and the growing collision risks from poorly sited offshore wind farms.
What We Can Do:
Report Sick Birds: If you see dead or distressed seabirds on the coast, never touch them; instead, immediately report them to environmental authorities to help monitor disease spread.
Cut the Plastic Tide: Support marine clean-up charities like the Marine Conservation Society to help eliminate plastic ghost-fishing gear from our oceans.
Advocate for Safe Oceans: Support campaigns by the RSPB pushing for safer, wildlife-conscious offshore energy planning and sustainable fishery management.
(Source: RSPB)
Common Kingfisher:
Conservation Status: Green (Protected Under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981)
The Conservation Reality:
These beautiful colourful birds are famous for their colours.
But with Climate Change drying up Lochs (Lakes) they will most definitely
go extinct locally since these beautiful birds need 15-20 small fish per day, roughly 50-60% of its body weight, and if there is no water in the Lochs (Lakes) then the fish population with pass away and that’s the end of the food chain in the loch so will the kingfisher not locally end up finding its food.
Things to not make Common Kingfisher extinct locally are:
Protect Local Water Levels: Support wetland restoration projects that help lock water into natural landscapes, preventing lochs and streams from drying out during hot summers.
Keep Water Clean: Avoid using harsh chemicals or garden fertilisers near local ditches and streams, ensuring the fish populations stay healthy.
