About me

"Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

“Life has become a mad rush and most of our energy is being used to keep pace in fear of being left behind …. True wisdom can only be found far away from other humans in great solitude.” - Fridtjof Nansen

My name is Richard Chew and I live in Basildon, Essex, England.

In fact I live .... here.

I have been interested in birds for as long as I can remember and regularly birdwatch within my own County of Essex. In addition to sites in Essex, I also regularly visit Kent, Suffolk and Norfolk and usually make annual trips to Wales and the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

I first created a wildlife and landscape photography website in July 2005 and this website was created in July 2007.

In May 2006 I also set up a personal blog to record my bird and wildlife sightings for Wat Tyler Country Park and RSPB Vange Marsh. These 2 sites are located just 3 miles from where I live and are a wildlife haven in south east Essex.

Birdwatching, and wildlife watching generally, enables me to visit some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and beautiful scenery in the UK. Photography is a more recent interest and I have found that this adds to my longer term passion for wildlife and the natural environment. So much to see, so little time to see it!

Photography can potentially have an adverse impact how ever careful we are to avoid disturbance to wildlife and damage to fragile and precious habitat. I strongly believe that photographers must always put wildlife and the natural environment first. I also feel that we have a moral duty and responsibility to make some contribution to protecting and preserving this priceless heritage for future generations. Therefore, I am very pleased to have been a member of the following organisations for many years, all of which are committed to this cause.

World Wildlife Fund

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Essex Wildlife Trust

If you feel like commenting on my photos or any other aspect of my website, you can contact me by completing the contact form. I will respond to all comments and enquiries and constructive criticism will always be welcomed.