Let's celebrate our oceans
Adeela Warley
08 June 2011
Spring has truly sprung and the BBC's Springwatch is back with a vengeance.
With web cams strapped to rafters, trees and nests we're treated to the intimate family lives of barn owls, blue tits, herons and even the mighty osprey.
I'm hooked on the short films brought to us by some of the country's most dedicated naturalists with a passion for everything from dung beetles to adders.
As we're celebrating World Oceans Day this week, it was great to see a film from Mickey Smith, surfer and photographer. A man of few words, most definitely more at home in water than on land, he used his camera to immerse us in his watery world. In the wildest of seas with only the dolphins and gulls for company he captured the raw and at times terrifying force of nature. Precariously perched on a surf board he took us into the heart of waves as big as a skyscrapers. It's a danger he admits he enjoys " if there was no fear of going in the sea it wouldn't be half as much fun..."
The lyrical beauty of the photography and his modest narration make compelling viewing. Even a fair-weather swimmer like me was tempted to jump in - all be it from the safety of my sofa.
You can catch the programme here (Mickey's film runs from 43.33 mins).
To help campaign to protect the oceans visit Marinet.
Wildlife and Countryside Link's marine campaign.
Adeela Warley, Head of Communications
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