David Buxton is raising funds for the Mallydams RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Fairlight by producing a calendar with photography from the local area. He is a talented photographer and has captured some wonderful shots.
Have you done a calendar before for Mallydams?
This is the second calendar for Mallydams, though the first one I produced was for Icklesham Church to raise money for repair to its leaking roof.
Why did you choose Mallydams as your chosen charity?
I chose Mallydams as my charity because I saved a drowning Razorbill at Pett Level beach while walking one day, and called Mallydams who came promptly to take it away to be cleaned as it was covered in oil.
This got me interested in what they do, so when I did the first fundraising calendar for them, I was given a tour of the centre and was taken aback by the range of wildlife they treat, particularly the young seal pups.
How did you get into photography? You have an excellent eye.
I got into photography as a commercial artist working in London in the 80s and 90s.
I trained with a professional photographer as his assistant after realising that commercial art wasn’t what I wanted to do. I was given the opportunity to open a studio and darkroom and run it as a photographer and manager. I then went freelance for a few years before leaving photography for good. From there I got into landscape gardening and commercial maintenance of riverbanks and wildlife reserves, so had a connection with wildlife. I retired three years ago and rekindled my love of photography.
Where do you go for inspiration to take your photos?
My inspiration comes from long country walks. I would class myself as a landscape photographer, but since retiring to Sussex I’m trying my hand at wildlife photography as well. My favourite places to walk are anywhere along a coastline, beach or canal.
Do you have a favourite shot that surprised you when you uploaded it to your computer?
One of my favourite shots was last autumn at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, it was late evening and the sun was trying to break through the clouds. The shot was looking towards the Mary Stanford lifeboat shed and the golden beams of light came through the cloud and struck the water on the marshland and the Mary Stanford was in silhouette in the background. Photography to me is all about the different times of year, the colours and light.
Peter Smith from Mallydams said: “It is always so helpful when people fundraise to help us to carry out our important work as a wildlife rehabilitation centre where we assist injured back into the wild. Thank you.”
The calendars are £12 with postage and packaging extra. These can be delivered in Fairlight, Winchelsea, Rye and Rye Harbour.
Please contact kt Bruce to order: ktbaspect@gmail.com or 07789818878.
Let’s beat last years total raised and help a local charity that does so much for so many animals. The staff are dedicated and all funds raised will make such a difference. All monies raised go directly to the charity.
Image Credits: David Buxton .