Shoot 5 - Bursdon Moore
"Bursdon Moor is a rare example of culm grassland within the North Devon AONB. Culm Grassland is the term given to damp unimproved grassland that are found overlaying the culm measures of Devon and Cornwall, many of these grasslands being lost to 20th century agricultural improvements. The mix of wet heath, mire and grassland plants ensure that the moor is botanically interesting and supports an impressive range of rare butterflies, such as the Marsh and Pearl Bordered Fritillary and moorland breeding birds such as the Curlew and Skylark. There are also a number of Bronze Age Tumuli and Barrows (ancient burial mounds) located on the moor, which are offered protection as Scheduled Ancient Monuments."
As a chid the moor was of great interest to me, tales and rumours would go around about murders and cannibals from a time before, stories that would scare us half to death. Even to this day the area gives and uneasy presence, so much empty space and woodland that goes on forever, you can feel very alone and isolated in this area, if not for the odd passing car or tractor. No where else in Hartland will you find this kind of vegetation and wildlife, the whole area is of interest in many aspects, the landscape almost appears baron yet it is full of life. During certain months as the land is privately owned, cattle roam the terrain. The area is at risk of fire at all times mainly during the summer months, also to stop over growing of vegetation often controlled fires are set an manages by local authorities also in order to encourage re growth and maintain the preservation of the area.
Out of all the images taken for this project, this select few have to be my favourites. i had not previously shot this area before and the whole experience was an eye opener, the images have a raw and earthy feel to them with the grass and bracken combined with such empty space and winding roads that lead off into the horizon to nowhere. The images have a very Raymond Moore/Ravilious/Gholke aspects.
These images through tutorials also were deemed favourite and will be heavily featured as final pieces and within my final book.
These images through tutorials also were deemed favourite and will be heavily featured as final pieces and within my final book.