Discover our Area Through The Local Lens: Philip Jarrett

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 Philip Jarrett and his experience of the area.

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

My parents moved to the Wye Valley in the late 1980s, so I grew up around here but never appreciated it at the time. Now (thirty-odd years later) have I started a multi-year project to reconnect with the landscape I called home for so long but never truly engaged with. For the last three years, I’ve been photographing old haunts and places I never knew existed. The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean truly is a magical place, full of ancient history and fascinating stories - both long past and within living memory.

There’s so much to explore, and I think I’ve only covered a tiny fraction of it in the time I’ve been coming back. I really wish I’d come back sooner, so I’m trying to make up for lost time. If nothing else, all the woodland wandering it great exercise.

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

That’s a tough one. In the Forest it would be easy to suggest the big hitters like Mallards Pike and Woorgreens Lake and Nature Reserve, but I have a fondness for Soudley Ponds and Dry Wood - the walk up to the view point across the Severn estuary is a bit of a push but well worth it.

On the Welsh side I’d say Nine Wells / Bargain Wood, the walk up to Cleddon Shoots and round into Llandogo is a fine wander with plenty to see.

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

I’ve always said Autumn is my favourite colour, and the Forest never disappoints. I’m an early bird, and getting out before dawn on a misty autumn morning is definitely my favourite time to be out and about. Sitting on a log with a coffee, listening to the dawn chorus is bliss

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

I like a misty woodland as much as the next person, but my favourite of this collection is the old green caravan tucked into the trees - that’s up near Cleddon. It’s an interesting intersection of the nature that I love and human made structures nestling in the woodland. I wonder did someone live there? Do they want someone to take it over? I’d be happy to move in.

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

Hopefully they feel absorbed in a working forest that’s home to abundant ecosystems, and remember we’re merely visitors. The forest asks very little of us beyond respecting it and letting it do its thing. Also, it’s not just about the big names and places and tourist spots, there are miles of trails bursting with natural life.

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

You’d think not much changes in an ancient woodland, but it’s constantly evolving. The great work Forestry England and NRW are doing to undo the evergreen plantations of the 1950s/60s and restore ancient woodland species means you’ll sometimes find big patches of scrub that look ugly now, but are being created for future generations of wanderers to enjoy.

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

Always look behind you! Sometimes the best view is the one you’ve already walked past. And if you’re on a circular trail, you might not see it again, so pause every so often and take a look around. You never know what you might spot. Take your time. The woodlands have been here for thousands of years and (hopefully) aren’t going anywhere soon, so there’s plenty of time to take it all in and enjoy it.

Also, and most importantly… please remember the explorers code: take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. I feel strongly about this! If you bring snacks or cups of coffee with you, brilliant - enjoy them, but please take your rubbish home. The forest floor doesn’t need cigarette ends, empty cups or sweet wrappers.

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

The cafe at Lydney Harbour does a three-cheese and chilli jam toasted sandwich which is absolutely phenomenal. One of those after a multi-mile walk is always very welcome.

I was hoping to get to the food festival at The Speech House Hotel last year but for one reason or another I wasn’t able to get there - definitely going to get there this year though.

About Philip Jarrett

I studied the arts at university, yet somehow (still not sure where it all went wrong) fell into a corporate IT job and have been plugging things in for the last 20 years. I fell out of love with photography for a while after trying to turn something I loved as a hobby into something that paid me money - I found the craft again and now it’s strictly for fun.

When I’m not out in the woods, you’ll find me in my small workshop making sawdust and occasionally something resembling furniture.

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/the_liminal_hours/

Making things: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMakesThings