Christopher Foulds

Meet Christopher, a talented and passionate wildlife enthusiast studying Wildlife Media at the University of Cumbria. Inspired by his love for nature and years of wildlife watching, he now captures its wonders through film and photography. From producing captivating films to receiving support from the Hadfield Trust, Christopher's journey is marked with remarkable experiences and an unwavering dedication to wildlife. Discover more about Christopher's extraordinary student experience below.

What or who inspired you to get into wildlife media?

From a young age, I have loved painting, drawing, and partaking in other art mediums, especially drawing inspiration from the natural world. Additionally, being an avid bird and wildlife watcher for many years has given me a unique interest in nature, animals, and wildlife. Naturally, I was drawn to experiencing and showcasing the beauty of our environment and the organisms that inhabit it through the lens of a camera.

Why did you choose to study wildlife media at the University of Cumbria?

Wildlife Media at the University of Cumbria is a unique course that provides you with the skills and opportunities to film and photograph stories about the natural world. The university is conveniently located next to the Lake District National Park, a beautiful place filled with a diverse range of wildlife, making it perfect for exploring, observing, and photographing nature. Given the rarity of such a course in the country, it was an obvious choice for me to apply.

What has been your favourite experience studying wildlife media at the university, so far?

In my second year of university, a small team and I were given the opportunity to produce a short film about orcas. This involved travelling to the captivating island of Shetland, a truly breathtaking and mesmerising place. Making the film was not only an experience in itself, but it also allowed us o see some special sights and encounter some exceptional wildlife. Some of the highlights included seeing the Aurora borealis, the red cliffs at Eshaness, observing flocks of gannets and fulmars at Sumburgh Head, encountering fishing otters, as well as plenty of quirky and cute grey and common seals, and a variety of waders and other wildlife. Even though we didn't see any whales, the sheer diversity and abundance of wildlife and sights made the experience truly unforgettable.

Producing this film progressed my showreel, allowing me to present a professional front when seeking and contacting contributors. These contributors proved invaluable for research and interviews during production, and I was able to apply professional practices while shooting interviews and cutaways. Together, these aspects contributed to the production of a documentary that we can be proud of. None of this would have been possible without the funding received from the Hadfield Trust.

What is the Hadfield Trust and what does the application process?

The Hadfield Trust offers students and young individuals the opportunity to participate in projects and special travel experiences that may seem impossible to pursue on their own. The funding provided by the Trust is so valued and important. The application process involves submitting a written application outlining your project, participating in an interview, and presenting your idea to the panel, essentially selling it to them. After considering your proposal, they will notify you of their decision within a reasonable timeframe. The Trust is extremely supportive throughout this entire process.

What advice would you give to other students then looking to apply for funding from the Hadfield Trust?

The Hadfield Trust panel is very open, genuine, and willing to help. They genuinely want to hear your ideas, so don't be afraid to voice them. Show enthusiasm and express your passion for everyone to see. This will establish a connection and help you in both the interview and presentation stages of the process.

What's been the most difficult obstacle you've overcome in your education journey so far?

During my foundation year at university, the majority of the lectures were online due to COVID, which was a very strange. Being confined to the halls for large periods of the day was an uncharacteristic life change, primarily due to the course's inherently outdoor nature and that I’m quite an adventurous person. Nevertheless, I was confident that the upcoming years would be much better, particularly in how we would be taught in university.

What advice would you give to others who want to get into wildlife media?

The best advice I would give is to just get out into nature, armed with binoculars, a camera, or a pencil and sketch pad. By experiencing and documenting the natural world and its wildlife, which is not only a pleasure but will help progress your skills in field craft, photography, filmmaking, and deepen your knowledge of wildlife identification and behaviour. These skills will help you in your studies and subsequent career.

How is university life beyond just studies?

Outside of studies, I have time to spend with friends both in the halls and outside by exploring the countryside and the Lakes, going on bike rides, enjoying food and drinks, or going to the cinema. The university also provides many opportunities for unique work experience. In my first and second year of university, I had the chance to work with a local filmmaker named Terry Abraham on his upcoming film, 'Cumbrian Red'. Being credited for this experience may help me in my future career.

What is student life like in Carlisle?

Carlisle is a small city situated close to Cumbria's countryside, which is familiar and pleasing to me, as I grew up in little villages in the countryside, surrounded by woods, fields, and rivers, similar to Carlisle. The city itself serves as a hub for wildlife, offering chance to see a plethora of species such as otters, kingfishers, dippers, roe deer, egrets, herons, cormorants, and more. The city is also filled with many bars, restaurants, and hideaways to escape from the stresses of your studies. 

The university is conveniently located next to the Lake District National Park, a beautiful place filled with a diverse range of wildlife, making it perfect for exploring, observing, and photographing nature.

Visit our Wildlife Media programme