Adding a New Perspective: Combining Drone Footage with Rural Exploring

It’s been a little while since my last blog post—things have been non-stop, but incredibly exciting! I’m thrilled to share a new approach I’m trying with my content. Alongside my usual drone footage, I’m diving into Rural Exploring (RurEx), using a pocket camera to provide commentary and ground-level perspectives before and after capturing aerial views. The idea is to bring these locations to life, showing their history, charm, and unique details in a way that connects more deeply. Let me take you through my adventures from the last two days.

Friday Adventures

Quickburn Grange and Quarry: Hidden History off the A68

While driving along the A68, I spotted an abandoned building and what appeared to be a distant chimney surrounded by the remnants of a disused quarry. Quickburn Grange seemed like the perfect stop for some exploring. Using my pocket camera, I captured the weathered stonework and crumbling structures before sending the drone up for aerial photos and video. The site offered stunning contrasts between the industrial past and the natural encroachment of the countryside, with the quarry and chimney standing as poignant reminders of the area’s working heritage.

Saltersgate Former MOS Ammunitions Dump: A Fascinating Look Back

This site has been on my list for some time, and after an earlier failed visit, I finally had the chance to explore it properly. The Saltersgate Ammunitions Dump, built during WWII as part of the Ministry of Supply’s operations, is an eerie yet fascinating relic. The pocket camera allowed me to delve into the site’s structures, capturing hidden details like overgrown bunkers and rusting gates. The drone shots brought a broader perspective, showing the layout of the dump amidst the surrounding woodland—perfect for contextualizing its wartime significance.

Tunstall Reservoir: Peaceful Waters and Stunning Views

After exploring Saltersgate, I took a short detour to Tunstall Reservoir, a tranquil spot nestled in Weardale. From the reservoir’s northern side, I captured serene aerial photos and drone video, showcasing the reservoir’s shimmering waters surrounded by rolling hills. Though the overcast sky muted the colours, the drone’s perspective still captured the beauty and peacefulness of this hidden gem.

Brasside MOS Ammunitions Dump: A Return to Explore More

I’d visited Brasside Ammunitions Dump a few weeks ago with the drone, but today I had the chance to dig deeper. This WWII-era site near Durham holds similar historical significance to Saltersgate, with its sprawling layout and crumbling remnants of wartime operations. Using the pocket camera, I captured the eerie atmosphere of overgrown bunkers and rusting machinery before taking to the skies for aerial photos and video, offering a complete view of this fascinating location.

Finchale Priory: Silhouettes at Sunset

As daylight faded, I made one last stop at Finchale Priory, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery nestled by the River Wear. Though it was closed, the fading light created hauntingly beautiful silhouettes of the ruins. Using the pocket camera, I captured the moody atmosphere of the priory at dusk, with its skeletal stone arches standing out against the dimming sky. This was a perfect ending to an action-packed day.

Thursday Adventures

Leasingthorne Colliery: A Huge Site with a Storied Past

Returning to Leasingthorne Colliery, I explored the expansive site more thoroughly. Once part of County Durham’s vibrant coal mining industry, the colliery holds layers of history in its disused machinery and weathered structures. With the pocket camera, I captured the details on the ground, while the drone provided a full view of the site’s scale through aerial photos and video. The juxtaposition of industrial decay against natural regrowth made for a visually striking experience.

Ushaw Abandoned Farm: An Isolated Gem

Tucked away near Ushaw, this abandoned farm is a snapshot of rural life left behind. The pocket camera allowed me to document the decay and charm of the farmhouse, with its collapsing roof and ivy-clad walls. The drone’s perspective added context, showing the farm’s isolation amidst the countryside with aerial photos and video that capture the beauty of time’s passage.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens: Sunset Serenity

My next stop was the stunning Ushaw Historic House, known for its grand architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Arriving just in time for sunset, I used the drone to capture the warm glow of the evening light reflecting off the house’s facade and chapels. The aerial photos and video from this visit are among my favourites, highlighting the elegance of the estate as it transitions into dusk.

Ushaw Fire-Damaged Building: A Place of Past Glory

Nearby, I explored an abandoned, fire-damaged building on the Ushaw estate, a haunting reminder of its once-grand past. The pocket camera captured the intricate details of charred beams and overgrown walls, while the drone revealed the extent of the damage from above. The juxtaposition of decay against the beauty of the estate is both poignant and captivating.

Wrapping It All Up

These past two days have been a whirlwind of exploration, discovery, and creativity. Adding ground-level exploring to my aerial photography has brought a new dimension to the way I capture and share these locations. I’m excited to see how this approach evolves and, as always, can’t wait to share these moments with you. Let me know what you think—do you enjoy seeing these locations from both perspectives? Stay tuned for more adventures!