A Bridport photographer aims to shine a light on a concept taking the UK by storm with an exhibition starting in the town tomorrow (Wednesday).

Sam Rose is coming to Bridport Arts Centre's Allsop Gallery for a month from July 20, exhibiting his photography all about rewilding.

Rewilding is growing across the country. The 2019 bestselling book, Wilding, by Isabella Tree raised public awareness and it has been a storyline on the Archers, Sir David Attenborough is a supporter of rewilding and even Ed Sheeran says that he plans to rewild as much of the UK as he can.

However, many may be unsure about what rewilding really means. This exhibition by photographer and conservationist Sam Rose aims to 'unwrap' the concept and help people to find out more, and maybe encourage them to get involved themselves.

The gallery will host a range of more than 40 images, including the animals that are the 'ecosystem engineers' and make rewilding happen, the people who choose to rewild, and the landscapes that result from rewilding. It also includes some drone photography of some areas being rewilded, and a range of fine-art black and white images that explore the 'messiness' and uncertainty that surrounds rewilding.

Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project, said: "This exhibition is quite simply marvellous. Sam Rose has a highly unusual gift… his camera becomes an extension of himself revealing landscapes, wildlife and people as if you are inside his head and, that his head is playing host to a wormhole of thousands of years of experiences, rather than simply a question of framing, light and mathematics.

"He has a painterly eye and you are left with a sense that he is revealing something more than what is immediately visible."

The work was made from places as far afield as Glenfeshie in Scotland and the Lizard in Cornwall, although there is a particular focus on the Knepp Wildlands in West Sussex, the subject of the book Wilding, mentioned above.

Sam said: "I hope that this exhibition will inspire people to find out a bit more about rewilding, what it means and why it is so important for us all.

"It is all about the people who have the courage to do that. It is amazing and beautiful to see what happens when nature is allowed to thrive."

The exhibition is accompanied by a website - whatifyoujustleaveit.info - and a podcast also called, What if you leave it?, and is available on most podcast platforms. It is gratefully supported in part by heal Rewilding and the Fine family Foundation.