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Photographer Wayne Howes captures stunning wildlife and scenic shots across north Kent

If your average day is spent in an office or you are stuck at home, you probably don’t appreciate just how much beautiful landscape and wildlife there is in north Kent.

From the marshes of Crayford and Dartford Heath, to the likes of Jeskyns Community Woodland or Shorne Country Park in Gravesham, there are certainly plenty of reasons to pull on a pair of walking boots and go outside.

Photographer Wayne Howes certainly appreciates such benefits of living in the area, having called Gravesend home for all of his 36 years.

Wayne Howes takes shots of north Kent's best landscapes and wildlife
Wayne Howes takes shots of north Kent's best landscapes and wildlife

At the moment he lives in St Hilda’s Way, just 100 yards or so from where he was born.

He said: “I have always been interested in photography but it got serious about 10 years ago.

“I am a freelancer working in London but taking photos of wildlife is more of a hobby really. I like to get out with the camera and take pictures of owls."

A barn owl soars across the countryside
A barn owl soars across the countryside

He continued: "It’s quite a population of owls we’ve got across the north Kent marshes.

“The key to getting good wildlife photos is about keeping quiet and well out the way and being in the right place at the right time.

“Owls are nocturnal creatures so they’re out for the first hour before sunrise and the last hour before sunset."

The bank of the Thames
The bank of the Thames

I know the sort of times to go out and have got it quite down to a T. I’ve got a few thousand photos to prove it.”

Some of his friends are interested in astronomy and give him some pointers and he has built up an impressive collection of lenses to do the job just right.

Sunrise across St Hilda's Way in Gravesend
Sunrise across St Hilda's Way in Gravesend

Wayne is involved in the Images exhibition that takes place at St Andrew’s Art Centre in Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, where local photographers are given the opportunity to showcase their work.

He said: “The public turn up and if they like something they can buy it as a print or in a frame."

A fox is thought to have been shot at a Sainsbury's store
A fox is thought to have been shot at a Sainsbury's store

He added: "It runs three times a year and it’s great for people that don’t usually exhibit their work.”

To keep up with Wayne’s work, which often sees him travel to other parts of Kent, including Sheppey, and into the capital, you can check out facebook.com/waynehphotos.

A Kingfisher
A Kingfisher

You can also see more of Wayne's photos - including beautiful shots of Canal Basin and the Gurdwara in Gravesend - by picking a copy of the Thursday, February 23 edition of the Gravesend and Dartford Messenger.

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