Woodland photography has exploded in recent years, popularised by the stunning work of Simon Baxter and many other talented photographers.
Despite a plethora of woodlands within Oxfordshire's borders, discovering photographically compelling locations can sometimes prove to be more problematic than first anticipated. Problems can occasionally arise from circumstances including a disordered floor, dull tree-forms and a scarcity of tangible light, exhausting any photographic potential the scene may have.
So, where are my favourite woodlands and forests I enjoy a wander, camera in hand?... read on…
Wychwood Forest
The Wychwood Forest has a long history dating back to the Neolithic Age. The surviving woodland, at 870 hectares, is the largest area of ancient woodland in Oxfordshire. Famed for several ghost stories, the forest consists of a variety of trees including, tall pines, gnarly oaks and steel-grey beaches. In the summer months, the forest can become overgrown with giant ferns which in itself can produce some excellent close-up photography opportunities. However, it is in the autumn and winter when the forest comes into its own. As the ferns die back the forest floor becomes accessible, on a cold misty morning, the resulting compositions breed the feelings of why this woodland is famed for its spooky tales.
Bernwood Forest
An extensive swathe of pine trees populates Bernwood Forest on the outskirts of Oxford. Despite being popular with dog-walkers and families, the scale of the grove makes it effortless to find some alternative scenes away from the main walking routes. Delving deeper into the woodland enables a sense of mental disorientation, as every direction can appear to be a carbon copy of the last. Despite this initial perspective, the forest can offer some fantastic photographic possibilities by focusing (no pun intended) on the uniformity of the scene and forming images from the straight lines and endless moss coloured carpet that presents itself. For nature photographers, the woodland holds approximately forty species of butterflies, earning the reputation as one of the most valuable habitats in Britain.
Aston Rownant
Easily accessible from the M40, within the Chiltern Hills, sits the stunning Aston Rownant nature reserve. The woodland consists widely of beech trees, which through the well-known practice of harvesting and growing have contorted and formed fascinating shapes and patterns. Visiting in the autumn lends itself to spectacular scenes with the forest floor carpeted with vivid fallen leaves.
Badbury Clump
A National Trust site, Badbury Clump is an area of woodland with sweeping views of the Thames flood plain to the north and the historic market town of Faringdon to the east. Renowned for its stunning display of bluebells in the springtime, the showcase of flowers continues to be regularly visited by amateur and professional photographers. The woodland's criss-cross paths and trails are perfect for navigating this treasure-trove of lilac splendour.
Aston Rownant
What's your favourite woodland to photograph? Let me know in the comments below.