Save Peel Hall supporters keep key campaigner in the picture

THE generosity of Save Peel Hall supporters has managed to keep one of its keen campaigners and wildlife photographers in the picture.

Wildlife enthusiast Ste Dodd, who has captured the ‘Hall’ and its inhabitants for a decade, was becoming concerned about his trusty old camera.

After taking thousands of photos, it was becoming unreliable and difficult to maintain. He turned to the Save Peel Hall Campaign Group and told members that if his camera stopped working this could mean the end of his valued work.
Campaigners then spurred into action by creating a funding page on social media … and it took just 48 hours for their loyal supporters to raise more than the £600 target to buy Ste a replacement!
Ste, from Orford, explained: “My current camera is just worn out and I really could not afford to replace it, so I turned to the campaign group, and they came up with a fund-raising idea. I was amazed at just how quickly our target was reached”.
Flabbergasted Ste was overwhelmed by the residents’ response, saying he was ‘gobsmacked’. “I just cannot believe the generosity of our community. I am completely overwhelmed and cannot thank everyone enough. For years I have been taking photographs of Peel Hall’s plant and wildlife. As a member of the Save Peel Hall Campaign Group my photos have provided clear evidence that this site is a natural haven. It is quite unique, and the only natural green space of its kind left in north Warrington.”
Ste’s photographic expertise and tracking stealth has captured hundreds of photos for the campaign album and each one taken without disturbing the wary, and often fragile subjects he has recorded.
A spokesperson for the campaign group said the generosity shown by locals goes as testament to the solid support from residents who are opposed to development on Peel Hall and their determination to keep Ste clicking away, providing the photographic proof that the site is an area of historic interest and natural beauty.
Ste added: “The wildlife here has been decimated over the years by landowner Satnam to try and show how worthless it is to nature, let me assure you it is not worthless, it’s our last open space and its full of nature! Thank you all for the new camera. I hope I can do it justice. Special thanks to Save Peel Hall Campaign Group for making this happen. The current campaign group is the most hardworking and professional team that I have been involved with. It is an absolute pleasure to work with them. The Rule 6 Party (formed by campaign group members) was hugely impressive at the recent public inquiry. They deserve to win this one!”
Ste added: “I really thought this was the end of my photographic career, but due to the dedicated support out there I can carry on capturing the life and the beauty of Peel Hall.”
The campaign group is still waiting for the future of the site to be announced by the Secretary of State, following the inquiry hearing which closed earlier this year.