Who Am I Doing It For?

Hello, I’m Ian Stephens and I am the person behind Ian’s Daily Nature Photo Challenge.

Although many people know me through my daily photographs, my love of nature began long before the challenge started. Thanks to my parents, I developed an interest in wildlife from an early age, and over the years I have spent countless hours exploring nature reserves, walking in the countryside and noticing those special moments that so many people pass by without noticing.

My working life has also played a part. As the owner of Lawn Master Nottingham and Lincoln, I spend much of my time outdoors. Looking after lawns has given me the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, from butterflies and bees to birds, orchids and wildflowers. Some of my most memorable discoveries have appeared in the most unexpected places.

In July 2022, inspired by #30DaysWild, I set myself the challenge of taking and sharing one nature photograph every day. What began as a simple personal challenge soon became something much bigger. The project has introduced me to an amazing community of nature lovers and, more importantly, has encouraged others to take a closer look at the world around them.

People often ask who I am doing this for.

The answer is simple.

For anyone who enjoys nature.

For those who would like a reason to spend more time outdoors.

For people who need a moment of calm in a busy world.

For those who may not yet realise how much wildlife can be found on their own doorstep.

Every photograph, blog post and book is created with the same aim: to encourage people to stop for a moment, look a little closer and discover something they may otherwise have missed.

If that inspires someone to take a walk, visit a nature reserve, photograph a butterfly, or simply appreciate the wildlife in their garden, then I feel the challenge has achieved exactly what it was intended to do.

#KeepWalkingKeepDiscovering

Ian Stephens photographed for The Wildlife Trusts’ “My Wild Life” feature in 2018
Photo credit: Rachel Rutherford / The Wildlife Trusts

Bassetlaw Hospice provides palliative care and support for those who have been diagnosed with a life limiting condition and who maybe experiencing troublesome symptoms. Our dedicated team help the patient and their family and friends to adapt to their changing situation as they promote psychological wellbeing and quality of life issues through offering patient focused care.