Wild Rainford is a photographic exploration of local nature through all four seasons. The project is a direct response to the decline in biodiversity across the UK, aiming to bring local communities closer to nature on their doorsteps.
Launching by the end of autumn 2026, the book will feature inspirational nature photography showcasing some of Rainford Village’s most beautiful species and natural landscapes. Collectively, it’s a stark warning of what’s at stake if the decline in biodiversity goes unanswered.
Tackling the Biodiversity Crisis on a Local Level
Research by the State of Nature shows the biodiversity crisis is accelerating in the UK. The next several years are critical, and if we fail to act, some of our most treasured species will be at risk of extinction. I personally love the outdoors. Spending time in nature has gotten me through some of the most difficult times of my life. I couldn’t sit back and do nothing in nature’s time of need, and so I came up with an idea for a project, Wild Rainford.
Wild Rainford aims to tackle the biodiversity crisis on a local level. Through the power of photography and creative storytelling, I hope to inspire communities across the UK to connect with nature on their doorsteps. You can’t care for something if you don’t know it exists, but that’s where I come in. I have spent over 1,000 hours across all seasons, watching and photographing some of our most iconic species. My work reveals the side of nature most people rarely get to see, in the hope that it encourages consideration and greater respect for our precious green spaces.
You don’t have to look far to find wildlife. Those long grassy margins, wildflower meadows, farmland, woodland, and hedgerows all support vast ecosystems. To the untrained eye, these areas may look “untidy”, but I promise, if you take five minutes to sit and listen, you’ll realise just how much life these valuable habitats support. Wherever you are in the UK, together we have the power to help nature thrive once more.
A Sneak Peek Inside Wild Rainford
I thought combining the photography and writing would be the easy part of this project; I was completely wrong. I’ve genuinely lost track of the hours I’ve spent tweaking layouts and rewriting copy. Knowing the scale of the cause, I want this to be perfect.
No stone has been left unturned. After countless caffeine-fuelled hours, the design is finally where it needs to be. I hope the teasers below give you a true insight into the quality you can expect from Wild Rainford.
Front Cover Artwork
There were a few candidates for the front cover, but in the end, there could only be one winner. I chose a firm spring favourite taken along the Old Coach Road in Rainford Village. The image captures the iconic tree tunnel flush with early spring greens, surrounded by a light blanket of mist, and a surprise visit from a hare in the foreground.
Chapter Introductions
With Wild Rainford featuring nature through the seasons, it made sense to structure the book accordingly. Each chapter is beautifully introduced with a small caption and seasonally coloured titles and accents. The right-hand page of the double-page spread features a landscape photograph taken within Rainford Village, highlighting the beauty of the season.
Hero Photographs and Highlights from the Project
The book uses varied layouts to create a dynamic visual experience, but the standout pages are without a doubt the hero double-page spreads. The best of my work and the most powerful photography have been given their chance to shine with full bleed. Each hero photograph is supported by a first-person narrative recalling the story of how the moment came to life.
Production Updates as We Approach the Autumn 2026 Launch
With progress well underway, key production details are now locked in. The book will be printed in an A5 landscape format. The front cover features a premium 300gsm card finished with a clean matt lamination, while the inner pages use a high-quality 120gsm paper. Crucially, all materials will be sustainably sourced, and the book will be produced by a responsible carbon-positive printer.
The spring and summer chapters are now complete, leaving only autumn and winter to finish. The project remains on track for an autumn 2026 release. In total, the book will span roughly 100 pages of photography designed to bring you closer to nature than ever before.
To ensure a lasting impact, a portion of the proceeds from Wild Rainford will directly support a wildlife charity. The specific organisation has been chosen, and the partnership will be formally announced as soon as the final details are confirmed. Keep an eye out for updates in the near future.