"I live locally to Clowes Wood with my husband and dog Ralphie. We both have high pressure jobs, so in our spare time love being in nature. Be that early in the morning, after work, or at weekends.
Our priority is always making sure we spend time outside, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the British countryside."
3 photographs of Clowes Wood - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
"The peace and quiet; ever changing scenery with the seasons but it’s so safe for not only us but Ralphie too.
We often see the animals that live there, be it the foxes, deer, or birds. Every single time it’s just a privilege. In fact, I’ve watched a buck and doe play in a field as youngsters, seen them grow together and then they gifted me by bringing their fawn one day. I’ve never seen all three together since!
It’s just the most magical feeling. You almost feel responsible for them especially with developers planning to build on surrounding land. I feel it’s my duty to keep sharing how valuable the area is and how important it is to protect it."
"For my husband, he finds real peace in the woods. He’s been known to sit there in the freezing winter weather with a cup of coffee, just enjoying the sound of nature.
For me, it’s a chance to reflect. I took up photography earlier this year and I can safely say the woods is my most photographed place yet.
The magical shots it’s provided for me is invaluable, I feel truly blessed. I love walking over there, and I can genuinely forget about work and any worries I may have.
Sometimes, I get up really early to be ready for sunrise to hear it come to life. It’s hard to explain how that feels, but it genuinely fuels me for the day."
"I took up photography in March and the woods has been a constant location to perfect the art. I'm self-taught and learning how to use my Fujifilm XT5.
There is a regular buck and doe I photograph, but I’ve also been honoured to see a barn owl, fox, and muntjac.
When the sun streams through the trees on a cold day, it produces an ethereal magic - it’s inexplicable!
Seeing the seasons change, the animals, the colour of the leaves, and how the wood floor grows varying fauna - you can’t go wrong here there for subject matter."
"The funniest moment was a deer with a white tail running out of the trees and jumping over my dog, Ralphie, and then all three of us stopped and stared at each other in shock for a second before the deer ran away!
The most unreal experience was photographing a deer when a fox ran past me straight into the shot, up to the deer, and turned to look at me. I cried - it was just the craziest moment and one I doubt will ever happen again.
I was truly honoured by both of their presence in a single frame."
Emily has selected her top photographs, which can all be viewed in the gallery below. Click on each photo to enlarge and press the arrows to navigate.
No explanation needed. A raw talent for photography with a superb ability to capture the natural world in all its' glory.
Deer & fox - Emily Fox (fujifoxfofos)
Barn owl - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Ralphie, Emily's dog - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Roe deer in front of hay bales - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Sunlight through Clowes Wood - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Clowes Wood - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Fungi on moss - Emily Fox (fujifoxfotos)
Thank you Emily for telling us your wonderful story, describing your love for Clowes Wood, and sharing your wildlife photography so we can all enjoy the magic of this ancient woodland.
Emily Fox has featured many times in our monthly wildlife gallery this year and you can follow her on Instagram @fujifoxfotos.
