A photographic project by Anneliese Sullivan-Wilson, a student on the FdA Photography programme at the University Centre, Grimsby.
Project Statement:
The Beautiful Countryside?
‘The Beautiful Countryside?’ is a photographic project intended to show a key issue faced by those who live in the countryside.
The decision to photograph this local issue was two-fold. Firstly, as a resident of the Lincolnshire Wolds, lots of my time is spent travelling around the area finding new places to explore. Secondly, on asking the local community what issues they felt needed addressing, littering and fly tipping, as well as dog fouling, were at the top of their list. Disgust is felt at the mindless disregard some people have for the countryside. Those who treat the countryside as their personal landfill, or dustbin, cost taxpayers money, simply because they either do not want to pay for the disposal of their refuse, who cannot be bothered to visit a household recycling centre, or even a bin. It also has a profound effect on animal and plant life.
The images chosen reflect a range of detritus found around the Wolds. Starting with a discarded fridge and fast-food wrappers in a layby, and ending with multiple van loads of commercial and household waste being dumped and burnt down a disused lane.
According to a document written by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, it was shown that local councils had dealt with just under one million cases of fly tipping in the year 2019/2020. Two thirds of this was household waste, averaging at a load size of a small van. Fines issued equated to £1,170,000. That averages to just over one pound for each clear-up. The report, showing an increase on the year 2018/2019, can be found on the Gov.uk website, entitled ‘Fly-tipping Statistics for England, 2019/2020.
Very thought provoking project highlighting a real blight and problem. This is something I feel very strongly about as well, I wish I knew the solution but hopefully projects like this will help to change people’s behaviour.
As a resident of the Lincolnshire Wolds too; traveling locally I often see the same. Unfortunately, people try to make a quick buck, and the homeowners cannot afford to dispose of them properly, it’s a vicious circle. Hopefully highlighting this and putting it out there will bring awareness.