Back garden's wildlife beauty captured over decade

In the picturesque region of Shropshire, a dedicated photographer named Andrew Fusek Peters has devoted the last ten years to capturing the enchanting wildlife that inhabits our back gardens. He refers to his unique project as 'garden safaris,' where he explores the rich diversity of animals and plants that can be found right outside our doors. Andrew's stunning photographs showcase a variety of moments, from birds engaging in playful battles to squirrels frolicking in the grass. He aims to highlight the beauty of the everyday creatures that share our lives, stating, 'I wanted to celebrate the everyday stories and reveal the beauty of our birds, mammals, and insects that live alongside us. ' His remarkable collection of images has been compiled into a new book, which features hundreds of his favorite shots. One particularly captivating image shows two red squirrels in a fierce struggle over food while precariously balanced on a bird feeder. Andrew emphasizes that one does not need to venture far to experience the wonders of nature. 'You don't have to travel to nature reserves or mountains,' he explained, expressing his belief that the wildlife in our gardens is just as valuable as that found in more exotic locations. He has faced some criticism from other photographers who focus on capturing images of larger, more glamorous animals like lions and tigers. 'And they think I'm somehow inferior because I do blue tits in the garden,' he shared. However, Andrew remains undeterred, as he finds joy in photographing the creatures that are often overlooked. One of his most extraordinary captures is a rare moment of a mother hare nursing her young leveret on a lawn. 'At the time I took it, that had been photographed maybe less than 10 times in the world,' he recalled, describing the experience as 'sheer gold on my memory card. ' In addition to his own garden, Andrew has traveled to various locations across the UK to document other remarkable wildlife encounters, including a playful family of foxes in Clapham, south London, and a pair of red squirrels on the Isle of Wight. His collection also features striking images of birds, such as a woodpecker and a nuthatch, which he describes as 'extraordinary. ' To capture these stunning shots, Andrew often uses his kitchen as a hide, allowing him to observe the wildlife up close. He has even managed to photograph birds in mid-flight, showcasing the beautiful diffraction of light through their wings, which creates a mesmerizing rainbow effect. 'Everyone's going to accuse me of using AI, but it's not - it's actually scientific,' he explained, emphasizing the skill and patience required to achieve such remarkable results. He feels fortunate to have the opportunity to document the wildlife that visits his garden. Beyond simply showcasing his photography, Andrew's book serves as a rallying cry for people to transform their gardens into more wildlife-friendly spaces. 'These places are important, I think they really are,' he asserted, highlighting the significance of gardens in supporting local wildlife. With the ongoing challenges of climate change and habitat loss, many species are facing difficulties, including the animals that frequent our gardens. 'They are just as important as all the wonderful creatures of the jungle and the desert,' he added, urging readers to recognize the value of their local wildlife. Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams praised Andrew's work, stating, 'Andrew makes the ordinary look extraordinary – stunning photography which helps to emphasise the importance of our gardens for wildlife. ' This heartfelt compliment brought great joy to Andrew, who is passionate about his mission. His book, titled Garden Safari, is published by Graffeg Books and encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the wildlife that can be found in their own backyards.