This summer will see the beauty, mysteries and restorative benefits of woodland celebrated through a major exhibition as part of the North York Moors National Park’s 70th anniversary.
Renowned photographers Simon Baxter and Joe Cornish have joined forces for the first time to exhibit a selection of their images, representing six years of photographing trees in the North York Moors National Park.
Read more: Man, 40, arrested for attemped murder of two children aged 10 and 11
The exhibition entitled: A Woodland Sanctuary, opens at the Inspired by… gallery in Danby Lodge on July 16 and runs until September 10.
Visitors will be able to see how both photographers have focused their lenses according to themes including Chaos, reflecting the reality of woodland; and Dark Matter which echoes the more melancholy, destructive elements within a forest such as native trees being crowded out by invasive non-native species.
The gallery will also be displaying 70 special edition unframed small works as part of the National Park’s platinum anniversary.
To complement the exhibition, both artists, for whom woodland has long been a source of inspiration, have lined-up a series of events throughout July and August to talk about their passion and share insights on photographing trees.
As well as talks by Simon and Joe, the programme features guest speakers Lucy Lapwing, the self-taught naturalist, BBC Springwatch researcher and occasional presenter, and talented photographers Sean Tucker, David Ward and Mark Littlejohn.
In August visitors will also be able to create a charcoal artwork based on observations from the exhibition with the help of artist Peter Reynolds.
Simon Baxter explains the benefits time spent in nature can bring.
Read more: Control zone in force as suspected case of foot and mouth disease is investigated
He said: “Discovering the therapeutic benefits of exploring and photographing local woodland has been a profound and life-changing experience.
"The North York Moors are home to some beautiful pockets of woodland, each of them offering a sense of mystery, wonder, and stories waiting to be told.
“Making sense of visual complexity, soaking up the atmosphere, breathing in the smells, and admiring the wildlife is both deeply immersive and restorative.
"I hope that visitors of our exhibition will get a sense of our privileged experiences in woodland and the joy of spending creative time with trees."
Joe Cornish added: "People find their own message and meaning when they view pictures in an exhibition, but it isn’t hard to relate to trees.
"As well as being a natural shelter, woodland has an inner world that feeds our imagination.
"Every tree is unique yet there’s a community of connection between trees that has so much to teach us.
“It’s a privilege to explore the woodland there is in the North York Moors, and to share the artistic and photographic joy of being amongst trees on our back doorstep."
A Woodland Sanctuary is free to attend but some of the special programme events are ticketed and need to be pre-booked. For more information and booking details see northyorkmoors.org.uk/awoodlandsanctuary
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated North Yorkshire Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here