Happy 2012!

At the start of 2011, I along with many others had no idea what the future held for our forests in the UK. As the months passed, the support and passion from local people soon became evident and it also became clear to our Government and local MP's that we were not going to give up our forests without a fight!
When the day came that our Government backtracked on its plans to privatise our forests, it was a massive relief for me as I didn't want to imagine the devastation these plans could have on our forests and the wildlife living within. My very sincere thanks to all who put their weight behind the HooF campaign and also to the many who supported this cause with so much passion.
The forests mean so much to many of us, for many different reasons. The time I spend in the forest with our varied and healthy wildlife can never be topped and I hope that it will always be out there for future generations to enjoy. For this reason we must always be ready to stand up and fight again and again and again if the fire reignites!

2012 will undoubtedly bring its hardships and personal battles to many of us, but there is something out there; something that has the capability to help us through the toughest of times, and that is nature. If you are looking for a way to escape the stress of modern life and the worries it brings, take nature into your life and realise what life is really about.
I wish you all the best for 2012.

Below are some of my favourite photographs of wildlife from the last 12 months in the Forest of Dean....















And finally, a photograph that for me "is" the Forest of Dean. The wild boars may have been illegally released and they may not be every ones cup of tea. However, they are here to stay and I for one will keep up the fight until they are given the status and protection the deserve.

Happy 2012!



Rob

Mutilated Fox!

"IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED AND DON'T LIKE LOOKING AT DEAD ANIMALS, PLEASE DO NOT VIEW THE IMAGES BELOW!"



Hopefully someone can help me with what I found the other day. I came across a dead fox in a layby. I have seen many dead foxes and this didn't shock me, but I have never seen one, which had had its tail brush and ears removed.
The fox had been neatly scalped with a sharp knife, removing both ears completely along with a large part of the scalp and the tail brush was removed at the base, leaving the fully intact tail bone. Indicating that this was not done by an animal.

Here are the pics. It was dark so excuse the quality.

"Again - if you are easily offended, please do not scroll down."









If anyone has seen this before or knows why someone has done this, please let me know thanks.
I suspect this is someone who thinks they can use the ears and tail as a trophy of some kind, but that is just a guess.

Rob

The Fox!

It was a fantastic day on Sunday 24th July, so I ventured out to find the elusive wild boar.
Even though I had been walking for two hours and covered a lot of ground, I hadn't seen anything, which was not good.
I came across an area with very good, far reaching views in all directions and decided to see if the wildlife would come to me instead.
I found a nice tree to rest against and sat down with my back against it. This is when I tune into my surroundings - I hear more and usually see more like this as the slightest sounds can be picked up. I didn't hear the fox, but saw him from a distance as he made his way up the grassy verge towards me.



I was sure that he had spotted me when he walked into the verge and thought that was it, but I stayed put, hoping that he hadn't. I was right as he walked back out even closer!



Closer still and this time I thought he was definitely history as he was looking straight at me, but I stayed perfectly still as he carried on sniffing the air and the ground. He was quite close now!



I was resting my elbows on my knees while holding my camera, with my eyes and face covered. I was starting to wonder how close he would come!



I watched as he scanned around for any possible threats. Then he would walk a little closer and scent mark the area, not knowing that I was no more than 8 metres in front of him!





Then he saw me and was off like a rocket!



He didn't go far though and stopped to try and make out what I was. This is when I captured this image.



So, no boars, but one truly awesome encounter with a red fox. Well worth the effort!

Rob