A little bird tells has told us that a film about a much-loved nature reserve near Farnham has made it to the big screen.
Tice’s Meadow volunteers and supporters recently grabbed their popcorn and took their place in the Farnham Maltings auditorium for an exclusive invite-only premiere of Our Meadow.
The film describes the challenges and profiles the volunteers who have devoted their lives to the beauty spot over the decades.
The film will be shown at the Namur International Film Festival and the Ekotop Environmental Film Festival later this month in Belgium and Slovakia, respectively.
The audience got the chance to ask questions to film-maker Josh Guyan and volunteer Mark Elsoffer about how the movie was filmed and the future of Tice’s Meadow.
More than 100 guests attended while there was a touch of Hollywood glamour as the pair took an Oscars-style selfie to celebrate the launch.
Mr Guyan said: “It was a thrill to see so many people from the local community show up and attend the premiere of Our Meadow.
“Throughout the making of this film I've been struck by how passionate the members of Tice's Meadow Bird Group and the volunteers who help out are about protecting the place.
“I'm excited to now take the film to international film festivals to show their dedication and achievements to the world. I hope it will inspire others to pitch in and help nature on their front doorsteps as well.”
Mr Guyan - who is also known as WildlifeJosh - is an expert at photographing wildlife and recently spent time for WWF in the Congo.
Our Meadow began as a project during the pandemic as Josh was looking for local places to shoot film. He realised Tice’s Meadow was perfect given it attracts rare birds form across the world.
But while the wildlife caught on camera was stunning, the stories of the site’s dedicated volunteers made the movie really special.
The film showcased their hard work from wringing reed birds to cutting back willow as well as helping to create new boxes and nests to attract new species.
Relationships between volunteers and work parties are on full display for all to see along with the group’s love for cake after a hard day’s work.
But as much as the story told the day-to-day work of the volunteers, it also showcased the battles facing the meadow. From the battle to get protection from six councils and raising funds to purchase the site to prevent it from being developed.
The meadow’s next challenge is the proposed new 24 hour McDonald’s right on the doorstep of the regionally important site and the nearby Tongham Ponds Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
To find out more on the McDonalds battle click the link https://tinyurl.com/53yrwx5f
Once the film has been to the film festivals Josh and Mark have said they want to make sure everyone can watch it.
Watch the trailer below to see what is in store or head to Josh’s website https://wildlifejosh.com/.