Andrew Chick Ecology

I caught up with this thought provoking film in Ambleside on 1st October 2024.

After living life on the edge in London, Rona attempts to come to terms with her troubled past. Hoping to heal, she returns to the wild beauty of Scotland’s Orkney Islands where she grew up.

The Corncrake, never an easy bird to see (c) Andrew P. Chick

The Outrun is a visually captivating and emotionally introspective film based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir. Set against the stunning landscapes of Orkney, Scotland, the story follows a woman’s journey of recovery from addiction as she returns to her childhood home. The film masterfully blends the stark beauty of nature with the protagonist’s inner turmoil, using the rugged, windswept environment as a metaphor for her own struggles. With a hauntingly atmospheric tone, The Outrun is a poignant exploration of healing, self-discovery, and the powerful connection between nature and human resilience.

Star of the film was the Corncrake…

A corn crake (Crex crex) is a bird species in the rail family, known for its distinctive rasping call. It is a secretive, ground-dwelling bird found in grasslands, meadows, and farmlands, especially where tall vegetation provides cover. The corn crake has a mostly brown and gray plumage, with a slightly streaked back and a lighter underside, which helps it blend into its surroundings.

Once common across Europe, its population has significantly declined due to modern farming practices. Corn crakes are now considered a conservation priority in many regions. Despite being difficult to spot, their call is most often heard during the breeding season, particularly at night.

In Outrun, the Corncrake is very much part of the journey of recovery…

And, the RSPB are part of the recovery journey!

What a place Orkney is…..