Photographer captures array of wildlife in Cornish gardens

Andy Wilson has worked at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall for 11 years and as well as his role as head of restoration he is a talented wildlife photographer.

His stunning photography at the Cornish estate is the focus of a new exhibition at the gardens – showcasing the site’s biodiversity.

From foxes to owls, pheasants to woodpeckers, Mr Wilson has captured an array of wildlife – using hides he built himself to get the photographs.

He spends hours waiting to catch creatures on camera but said he was pleased to have his work recognised.

Mr Wilson said: “I’m chuffed to have my pictures exhibited at Heligan, photography is something I do because I love it but it’s great to have this recognition of my work.

“Unless they’re very lucky, Heligan visitors don’t often get to see wildlife on the estate so this is a fantastic way for them to see the biodiversity of the site without having to wait patiently for hours in hides.”

The exhibition, called 200 Acres, is in an outdoor space on Heligan’s west lawn.

During his time working at the gardens, Mr Wilson has built up an “incredible knowledge” of the estate and its ecosystem, a spokesperson said.

He monitors wildlife movements using static, motion-activated cameras which alert him when wildlife is nearby – and then spends time outside his working day in hides to capture the shots, they added.

Mr Wilson has travelled all over the world photographing wildlife – including brown bears in Finland.

He said his favourite animal to photograph at Heligan was the fox.