Photographic exhibition captures Devon’s natural beauty

January 2009

A photographic exhibition in Newton Abbot, Devon, in February will portray the interaction between the region’s clay industry and the natural environment. The event, Business and Biodiversity, is being organised by Sibelco UK.

The clay industry forms an intrinsic part of Devon’s industrial heritage and remains one of the region’s most important economic assets. Few people readily associate the industry with wildlife and biodiversity, but for Sibelco UK (formerly WBB) environmental stewardship is a key part of everyday business. Through the creation and preservation of significant nature conservation areas, the company is making an invaluable contribution to biodiversity targets in Devon and elsewhere in the UK.

Over the past two years, Sibelco has commissioned two local photographers, Susan Young and Jane Dickinson, to capture the results of the company’s restoration and conservation projects. A special collection of their work will be displayed at the Old Forde House in Newton Abbot from 12^th -13^th February. The exhibition will also incorporate the work of a local photography student, Marcus Shirley, from the University of Plymouth who has produced a stunning set of images portraying people at work in Sibelco’s clay quarries.