Through the Local Lens' is a series celebrating the stunning Forest of Dean and Wye Valley through the eyes of passionate photographers who know this landscape intimately.

Each feature reveals what captures their imagination and draws them back time and again to this remarkable corner of Britain. From hidden gems that locals treasure to the seasonal transformations that make every visit unique, we explore how these artists see and experience the region's beauty.

Through their lenses and stories, discover what makes the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley so special, and perhaps find inspiration for your own photographic journey.

This episode focuses on the talented Neil Baker and his experience of the area.

What draws you to photography in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley?

I've visited many times over the years, but since making it my home several years ago it was only then that I really started to appreciate how beautiful the area is. As my main passion in life is photography, it would be remiss not to try and capture some of that beauty.

Can you share a location that locals might overlook but visitors would love to discover?

Not really a specific location as such, but just an observation. I often find the best locations within the Forest Of Dean & Wye Valley are where I've ended up, so make sure to pause and enjoy the moments rather than search continuously. You may well find a hidden gem, and it's certainly the best way to see wildlife.

What's your favourite season or time of day to capture this region, and why?

I think for me it's Autumn days that are bright but overcast as I love to shoot macro Fungi, and the Autumn colours especially in the Wye Valley are just incredible, not to mention the mist that forms at both ends of the day.

Tell us about one of your photos from this collection - what's the story behind it?

'Boaring' - this shot remains special to me, as this was my first encounter with a Wild Boar after many failed attempts to see one when visiting, and I was so happy to get this shot I was grinning all week.

What would you want visitors to feel when they see our area through your lens?

Maybe just that there's so much to see and take in, again it's a case of taking it slow and really soaking up the sights (and often ignored) sounds. I hope people feel a sense of serenity, as our area lends itself well to de-stressing the mind.

What's changed in the region since you started photographing here?

Everything in the Forest is constantly changing so it's hard to nail down one thing, but the most noticeable changes are the ones to the landscape (due to being a working forest). We sometimes lose the ability to reach certain views, but we also gain other completely new views one might not see otherwise, plus there's so many locations to discover

Any photography tips for visitors wanting to capture their own memories here?

Don't be shy of going off the beaten path, and bring wellies. Also bring a torch and a tripod with you because the night sky's can be something else.

What local business, attraction, or community spot deserves more attention?

Al's Plaice in Coleford for being the best fish and chip shop in the Forest, which always goes down really well after a day spent exploring the sights. Also, if you visit in July there's the excellent Coleford Music Festival, along with many events throughout the year, including Motorsport, Morris Dancing festivals, Fetes and everything in between. There's also a thriving live music scene in many of our pubs.

About Neil Baker

I've been based in the Forest of Dean since 2022 having moved from Bristol, where my focus was more on cityscapes and events. I tend to lean more towards nature, wildlife, landscapes and way more macro than I used to shoot and still love to capture events (Of which there are way more here). I also started a YouTube channel to capture various sights around the Forest Of Dean and Wye Valley last year.

Discover our Area Through The Local Lens: Neil Baker