New Film Series Showcases Devon and Cornwall's Natural Beauty

A new series of films titled "Wild Westcountry Odyssey" has been released on YouTube, celebrating the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Devon and Cornwall. The initiative, co-funded by Natural England and produced by Plymouth-based filmmaker Simon Willis, aims to inspire appreciation for these unique environments. Each film in the six-part series features poetic contributions from Professor John Wedgwood Clarke of the University of Exeter, with a focus on fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

The first film, launched on Monday, highlights the picturesque scenery of Kynance on the Lizard Peninsula, alongside the conservation success story of the chough's return to the area. According to Professor Clarke, the project aims to blend visual and verbal poetry to encourage viewers to engage with their surroundings and support conservation efforts. "I hope these films inspire people to explore this beautiful part of the world and think about how they can support the work that goes into helping people and nature thrive together in these special places," he stated.

Simon Willis expressed his gratitude for collaborating with local nature reserves and emphasized the importance of showcasing the human efforts in wildlife conservation. He remarked, "The human effort that goes into keeping them thriving for wildlife is remarkable. I hope our images and John’s words encourage people to look beyond the picture postcard and really value the wildlife that makes the South West such a great place to visit."

David Burton from Natural England highlighted the educational aspect of the films, noting, "We supported the production of the films to research how creative media can help re-set the relationships between people and nature within the framework of Protected Site Strategies. The approach is to educate and highlight the need for nature recovery to everyone."

The remaining five films will be released weekly, culminating on July 21, offering viewers a continuous opportunity to engage with the natural beauty of the South West. The initiative not only serves to promote the landscapes of Devon and Cornwall but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of these environments for future generations. As the series unfolds, it is anticipated that it will contribute positively to the local tourism sector by attracting visitors interested in the region's natural heritage.