Award-winning Bucks photographer launches new book showing Chesham environment
The project also features an indoor exhibition.
A Bucks man has published a new photo book today (3 October) exploring the relationship between humanity and the environment.
Award-winning portrait and documentary photographer Matt Writtle has spent the past two years documenting the Chiltern Hills town of Chesham and the areas surrounding the River Chess - a natural chalk stream whose source springs in the town.
It is feared the route of HS2 could impact the unique eco-system of these chalk streams.
Images in 'The River Meadow at the Pile of Stones' reflect the impact, balance and transition people have had on the town since the first settlers arrived in 8000 BC.
Published after successful Arts Council England funding, the project incorporates an indoor exhibition at The Elgiva, which is also the starting point for an outdoor photography exhibition and walking trail included in the Chiltern Walking Festival (17 October to 1 November).
Matt will also conduct artist-led walks every Saturday throughout October, details for which will be published on Facebook.
Matt told Greatest Hits Radio Bucks about why he decided to create the book:
"My idea is to educate and inspire people to get out, rather than just say 'you must do your bit'.
"It's more about people seeing the photography through their town, being reminded how beautiful they are, the place they live in, and thinking 'we've got to do something to keep it this way'.
"We're very privileged to have London on our doorstep, but we have such beautiful countryside to enjoy and wildlife and diverse eco-system.
"I just think we all need to play our part to make sure that it doesn't vanish.
"It is under severe threat right now - it really is - and people don't realise it."