WALKING her dogs in the fields near her home, Jill Feist would breathe in the fresh air and enjoy being in the countryside.

But gradually over the past two years, these fields have changed for ever. Gone are the majestic ancient oak trees, lush wild flowers and green open spaces. They have now been replaced with a housing development.

As Jill saw these changes take place she decided to capture Ronson's Field in her paintings to preserve them to her memory forever before they were destroyed.

Armed with a camera, Jill took photographs of her favourite aspects of these fields - the trees, the flowers and the people she would meet.

"Painting has always been my hobby," said Jill, who is in her early 60s, from Cowes. "I used to be a miniaturist but when I had a stroke I was no longer able to do the fine detail.

"I took to watercolour painting instead. I have painted for the whole of the 31 years that myself and my husband, Tony have lived on the Island.

"It was difficult to bear seeing the field go. I had grown very fond of the fields through walking my dogs on them, and I would meet so many people on them who shared my love of that wonderful green expanse.

"I was devastated when they cut the oak trees down. They were literally there one day and had disappeared overnight.

"We found out afterwards that we could have tried to get a preservation order on those trees but at the time we didn't realise.

"I have compiled all of my paintings of the fields into a small booklet containing 21 paintings. I have really done the booklet for the other people who miss those beautiful fields as much as I do.

"I have given many copies away to the others who loved walking on them as much as we did.

"It took me a year to get all the paintings done."

Each of her pictures is accompanied by a few words which show the depth of feeling that Jill feels at the loss.

One says: 'Goodbye dear friend. The shrubs and hedges where the birds nest, and the tall trees are no more. One little part of England lost for ever.'

Another reads: 'There will be no more early morning misty walks with Bella, my dog. For the path we once walked has gone and part of me has gone with it.'

Jill said: "These fields weren't just used by dog walkers. There were a lot of other activities taking place on them such as football, kite flying and children playing on them.

"Now in their place there are houses. I know that people need somewhere to live but it was the only green place left in Cowes. I thought that things would get better and I would get used to the changes but I don't think that I ever will.

"The Isle of Wight is supposed to be the garden isle of England but at this rate there will be no green spaces left.

"I have other ideas for my next paintings as I am sure there are other parts of the Island that we are likely to lose soon.

"The trouble is that the Island is changing so fast that I will have to get the paintings done before it is developed."

To buy a copy of Jill's booklet call her on 01983 292024.