Canals and woodland in Kings Langley, bluebells and deer in Ashridge, and the green hills and waterways of the Chess Valley – Watford photographer Elizabeth Debenham has been inspired by Hertfordshire’s beautiful views for almost 30 years, and now is displaying a selection of her favourites in her first solo exhibition, Chiltern Focus, at Chenies Manor Pavilion Gallery.

“Chenies is a beautiful setting for my photography,“ says Elizabeth, who won second place in the International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition 6 in 2012.

Her prize-winning image of Aldbury Nowers, a Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Dacorum, will be one of the photographs on display in the exhibition alongside framed prints and canvases of Chilterns landscapes, flora, fauna, butterflies, and greetings cards.

Elizabeth’s love of the countryside and nature began when she was a child and has been the subject of her photography ever since.

“I have always enjoyed restful, green, open views and the detail of wildflowers and creatures at my feet,“ says Elizabeth.

“I like to immerse myself in the views I take, by getting to know the mood of the seasons, or when to get that best light. Looking into the heart of an orchid bloom, smelling its scent, is an added sensual delight when doing macro shots, and peering almost eye-to-eye with an intricate butterfly is a sheer delight.“

Elizabeth can often be spotted out and about, and is never without her camera, waiting for that perfect image.

“Nature and landscape are full of surprises and beautiful things to see in our beautiful area,“ she says. “Being in the right place at the right time and savouring it can be so healing.

“There are plenty of scenic landscapes, from a grass verge to a wide open view, around here – woodlands in and around Kings Langley, Tring and Ivinghoe, the scenery in Sarratt, Flaunden, Latimer, and Chenies. Through my photography, I aim to share what can easily be missed in a busy lifestyle.“

  • A Chiltern Focus is at Chenies Manor Pavilion Gallery, Chenies Manor, Chenies, every Wednesday and Thursday, 2pm to 5pm, until June 26. Details: 01494 762888, cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk