Photographer, Luke Hopkins, shares his superb nature photos of the amazing wildlife to be found in and around Exmouth.

Exmouth Journal: An adult female beaver grooming on the River Otter. Picture: Luke HopkinsAn adult female beaver grooming on the River Otter. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Thirty-year-old Luke Hopkins of Colleton Way, Exmouth, talks about his love of wildlife photography.

“I have been interested in wildlife from a very young age. I remember my grandad and brother-in-law taking me out birdwatching as a child and my passion grew from there.

“It wasn’t until I moved from Leicester to Devon in 2010 that I got my first point-and-shoot camera and started going out at weekends taking photos of wildlife. Over the last eight years I have slowly upgraded my camera gear and have learnt more about the local wildlife and where to find it. Living in East Devon we are extremely lucky to have some of the best nature reserves in the country and some of the rarest animals.

“I enjoy going out several times a week and can only see my passion for photographing wildlife growing more and more.”

Exmouth Journal: A short eared owl spotted on Exmouth clifftops. Picture: Luke HopkinsA short eared owl spotted on Exmouth clifftops. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

You can see more of Luke’s work by following him at Luke Hopkins Wildlife Photography on Facebook and Instagram.

MORE: If you enjoy photography and you would like to be considered as a featured photographer then get in touch with Alex at: alex.walton@archant.co.uk

Why not join our community of local photographers at www.iwitness24.co.uk and you could start seeing your photos appearing online and in print across our many South West news titles.

Exmouth Journal: A kestrel hunting on Exmouth clifftops. Picture: Luke HopkinsA kestrel hunting on Exmouth clifftops. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A pied wagtail close up. Picture: Luke HopkinsA pied wagtail close up. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: An adult female beaver grooming on the River Otter. Picture: Luke HopkinsAn adult female beaver grooming on the River Otter. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: Refelction at Budleigh seafront. Picture: Luke HopkinsRefelction at Budleigh seafront. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: Stack of pebbles on Budleigh beach. Picture: Luke HopkinsStack of pebbles on Budleigh beach. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A crow perched on a silver birch tree on Woodbury common. Picture: Luke HopkinsA crow perched on a silver birch tree on Woodbury common. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A Juvenile rabbit posing for the camera. Picture: Luke HopkinsA Juvenile rabbit posing for the camera. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A Dartford warbler at RSPB aylesbeare common. Picture: Luke HopkinsA Dartford warbler at RSPB aylesbeare common. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal:

Exmouth Journal: A little bank vole enjoying some sunshine. Picture: Luke HopkinsA little bank vole enjoying some sunshine. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: Mute swan guarding a nest on the side of Exeter canal. Picture: Luke HopkinsMute swan guarding a nest on the side of Exeter canal. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: Grey heron fishing on the River Otter. Picture: Luke HopkinsGrey heron fishing on the River Otter. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A moorhen at Bystock Pools in Exmouth. Picture: Luke HopkinsA moorhen at Bystock Pools in Exmouth. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A greater spotted woodpecker feeding its young along the River Exe in Exeter. Picture: Luke HopkinsA greater spotted woodpecker feeding its young along the River Exe in Exeter. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A little blue tit striking a pose. Picture: Luke HopkinsA little blue tit striking a pose. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A common lizard basking in the morning sun on Woodbury Common. Picture: Luke HopkinsA common lizard basking in the morning sun on Woodbury Common. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: Dartford warbler posing at RSPB Aylesbeare Common. Picture: Luke HopkinsDartford warbler posing at RSPB Aylesbeare Common. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal: A kestrel hunting at RSPB Aylesbeare common. Picture: Luke HopkinsA kestrel hunting at RSPB Aylesbeare common. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Exmouth Journal:

Exmouth Journal: Stack of pebbles on Budleigh beach. Picture: Luke HopkinsStack of pebbles on Budleigh beach. Picture: Luke Hopkins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)