It was a month ago, in lockdown deep-cleaning mode, when Paolo Black found a half a dozen fairies that his 14-year-old daughter had long-since outgrown. Paolo put them in a shopping bag, and contemplated taking them to a charity shop. But, he then had an idea. “Shall we take them into nearby Maylands woodland and set them free,” he asked his 11-year-old son. His enthusiasm was palpable. And so, on their daily walk through this Hemel Hempstead forest, Paolo's son put each fairy in a tree, on a log, on a branch…and Paolo photographed each one. He thought for certain they’d be gone the next day. But, a month later, they’re not only all still there, but others have added to the fairyland spectacle. There are now fairy doors and fairy houses dotted around the wood. Paolo said: "It’s so inspiring to see families with young children searching the woodland for a little bit of magic at this challenging time."
1. Away with the fairies
Have you seen the fairy houses? (C) Paolo Black Photo: Paolo Black
2. Away with the fairies
The fairies can be found in the forest (C) Paolo Black Photo: Paolo Black
3. Away with the fairies
Other people have been adding to the collection (C) Paolo Black Photo: Paolo Black
4. Away with the fairies
The fairy houses are hidden in the forest (C) Paolo Black Photo: Paolo Black