A strange blue line painted on stacks of fell trees in the shape of a meandering river caught my eye. These photographs were taken on a mountain range in South Wales that has seen significant deforestation of non native species of tree. Planted decades ago for use in the mining industry which has long departed, they now are fell and used in a variety of manufacturing and building industries.
Tree stumps and debris remain on the barren land.
The purpose of the land that surrounds the valley dwelling villages has changed through sheep farming, industrialisation and coal mining and now to forest and wind energy farms that dominate the mountain tops. Over the past few years, continued deforestation has raised concerns regarding flooding and potential damage to eco-systems.
Last year, a large volume of trees were fell which coincided with a devastating flood for the villages that lay below.
Lucy Purrington is a Welsh based photographic artist living and working in the Rhondda. Her work explores themes of metal health, community and incorporates the surrounding landscapes of South Wales.
Website: www.lucypurrington.com
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