From rolling chalk hills to heather-clad moors, the glorious landscapes of Hampshire are varied and beautiful. It is one of England's most wooded counties, a stronghold for wildflowers, and is famed for its open downland. Glorious Hampshire celebrates the character and contrast of Hampshire's countryside with a collection of fine art photographs taken in all seasons.
The sweeping landscapes of two National Parks – the New Forest and the South Downs – are represented in panoramic style, as are the lush green valleys of the county's renowned chalk streams. On a smaller scale, natural details have not been missed – such as the beauty of woodland ferns and spring flowers, and the shapes and forms of native trees.
Light and atmosphere have been used to create memorable and thoughtprovoking images. The narrative provides a further insight – each photograph is accompanied by the author's unique knowledge of the subject, gleaned from thirty years' experience in the countryside. The text also explains how some images came to be taken, including the composition, timing and weather. Viewpoints are described, by-ways and footpaths explored, and hidden woodland glades revealed.
Glorious Hampshire provides a unique portrait of a very English county, and some remarkable glimpses of the natural world.
Colin Roberts was born in Cheshire but spent his early years in West Africa. In 1970 his family settled in Hampshire and he became interested in the natural world, exploring the local countryside as he grew up. He took up photography after leaving college, and by 1990 he was concentrating on landscapes and nature. He went on to become the UK’s ‘Amateur Photographer of the Year’ before turning professional. He has travelled throughout Britain, but the landscape of Hampshire remains at the heart of his work. He has received a number of awards for his nature images including ‘International Garden Photographer of the Year’ and the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Photographer of the Year’.