Photography | Film | Wildlife Landscapes | History

The Kingfishers of Cobham | British Wildlife DocumentaryA form of meditation — so grounding and calming | Breathtaking | Stunning and very beautiful | Absolutely magnificent" — Comments from early viewers.Along the wooded banks and clear waters of the River Mole, kingfishers live fast and secretive lives. Filmed alongside public footpaths on the banks of the river, where kingfishers hunt quietly while walkers and dog owners pass by, often unaware.This twenty-minute documentary combines film, photography, animation and music. Created in and around Cobham, Surrey, England, between June and November 2025.All photos and video captured by Dave McCleave, who is also the editor and narrator. The project represents over 1,000 hours of fieldwork and post-production. No hide or baiting was used, nests were not approached or filmed/photographed. The photographs and film are of kingfishers in their wild-undisturbed-natural habitat, taken at respectfully long distances.The drone used for cinematic views of river and the surrounding area, was a DJI Mini 5 Pro, which is a tiny quiet unit weighing 249 grams. Flown at altitudes of circa 150-200 feet to avoid wildlife disruption. The wildlife shots themselves were captured from the ground with Canon EOS R5 MK II/I cameras, and Canon RF200-800mm/RF100-500mm lenses over distances of 12-30 metres. Produced in 4K, this version is presented in 1080 High Definition.The film captures the lives of kingfishers along the River Mole, including a sequence of photographs showing parents with their recently fledged young as they begin learning to fish. Highlights include a dramatic film sequence of a territorial fight over the water, a kingfisher captured hovering in flight (HD animation and photos), and many other close observations of daily life along the river.The film also features a few other native species.Film inspired by Psalm 104:24
"How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures".
(NIV)

Bletchingley and The Grange, A Pictorial and Social History of a Quintessentially English Village

A fresh look at the history of Bletchingley (Blechingley), centred on The Grange and its transient residents, but with fascinating digressions around the village and beyond. Discover previously unpublished material, including a WWII diary and photographs from family archives. This revised, enhanced and updated edition contains new photographs, listings, information and stories that capture the drama of significant historical events in fresh, compelling detail. An index of illustrations and news headlines has been added. Now with over 450 illustrations including beautifully crafted charts of the Descent and History of the Manor of Blechingley. Forty vintage black and white photographs have been masterfully colourised and brought to life by the author, while others have been sympathetically restored, contrasting with his contemporary photographs.A beautifully detailed pictorial history of Bletchingley's historic properties, institutions, businesses and inhabitants; from manor house and castle to farm and shop, from hospital to workhouse. Showcased through the work of many eminent photographers, artists and locals.This book was produced over a period of four years, when the author lived in the village.Forewords
The history of Blechingley is briefly documented – by William the
Conqueror’s Domesday book, then by my grandfather in 1921, and
now by Dave McCleave who has written a stirring and accessible
modern-day account of the buildings and inhabitants, lavishly
illustrated with colour photos. Enjoy!
Dame Sarah Jane Frances Goad, née Lambert, DCVO, JP – Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
from 1997 to 2015My wife and I have lived in Bletchingley for many years. Throughout
we have thoroughly appreciated its diversity and history. This book
portrays in carefully researched detail the rich tapestry of a village at
the heart of Britain. Historians in the years to come will find much
in these pages.
Rt Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway PCDavid McCleave’s Blechingley and The Grange was a groundbreaking
contribution to local history when it appeared last year. The
profusion and quality of the images embraced modern publishing
techniques to an astonishing degree. David worked tirelessly in
pursuing the history of a very special parish and the result was a
triumph. I welcome this updated version as a testimony to the author’s
industry and passion for incomparable Blechingley.
Roger Packham, author and Chairman of The Bourne Society, Surrey, regarded as the
largest local history society in EnglandThis book is the result of many hours research and interviews with
local people. It is an accurate and fascinating account of this historic
village, once a borough with two members of parliament. Bringing
the history up to date with stories about WWII secret agents and a
pigeon which made its last flight on D-Day 1944, carrying a secret
coded message. Read the book for an insight into history.
David Martin, past chairman Bletchingley Parish Council, Bletchingley Conservation
and Historical Society and Bletchingley United CharitiesAvailable on Amazon in Kindle | Hardback | Paperback

Watch a 70 Minute film presentation based around the book here

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