Paul Thompson

Gardener - (Wellesbourne)

“There’s a lot of wildlife on campus, you just need to know where to look.”

“My passion for wildlife photography started a long time ago. I used to go to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve to birdwatch with a friend, I found it quite a funny thing to do at first. Unfortunately, he’s now passed away, but I wanted to carry on in his memory.

I bring my camera into work with me, taking any opportunity to capture wildlife in my breaks. I’ve seen foxes, deer, rabbits, hares, kingfishers, herons and of course the ducks and geese, lots of geese! There’s a family of foxes near the Gibbet Hill campus, I first spotted them around 14 years ago. They regularly come out of the woodland to say hello, so I like to photograph them as often as possible.

I’ve also been whale watching with Chris Packham round the Bay of Biscay. I managed to get some great pictures, and he encouraged me to share them, he thought they were that good. I’ve had my pictures used on Countryfile, some of which were taken on campus.

Photography takes over my weekends and spare time as well. You’ll always find me with my camera out in the countryside or taking in the scenery sitting on my friend’s memorial bench at the nature reserve.

I’ve been working as a gardener in the Estates team for 36 years, an office job wasn’t for me. I enjoy being out in the open air, it’s great for your wellbeing and mental health. I like watching the landscape change at different times of the day and throughout the year. We’re lucky to have such clear seasons, all four are different and I enjoy aspects of each one, but winter is the best. Everything quietens down.”