Urban Decay now Wildlife Resource

Weekly Challenge

Environmental Storytelling
7/19/26 - 7/25/26
Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive

About This Image

Trying for a few days to get something that fits the “Weekly Challenge”.
This is the old Bridgwater and Taunton Canal - just left to decay since the 60’s but now recognised as a green wildlife area that can provide a restful area away from urban life. It was teaming with butterflies and Emperor Dragonflies, and a few plastic bottles (one I have left visible), although the water surface was a bit clogged with algae.

Feedback Requested

Just general overview , suggestions for improvements etc

Technical Details

Camera: SONY ILCE-7M4
Lens: FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Focal length: 90mm
Shutter speed: 1/125s
Aperture: f/13
ISO: 200

If you get a chance look at “Dominant Wave Theory” a book by Andy Hughes which highlighted waste on beaches by making pictures that turned plastic into amazing pictures - Its done loads to move “Green” issues to the forefront and keeping it in the news. I was going for a similar theme but all the rubbish was in the canal and not accessible without a swim :frowning:

I’m very interested what people think about the. Dominant Wave Theory project - please comment as well as suggesting any improvements to my very ordinary photo.

Huw, this view tells the story well of an abandoned lock on a canal. Seems amazing that it was used until the 1960s. Locally we have the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal, built in the 1830s, where most of the locks look like this or are even more decayed.

1 Like

Hello Huw,

This image tells the story effectively. Too bad you couldn’t get the other debris in there, but this works well. It’s always amazing how Mother Nature will take over if you leave something there long enough. Good for you for doing something to help in this important issue!

1 Like

Thanks @holly1
I appreciate your comments

Kind regards

Huw