Discover our Area Through The Local Lens: Tom Radford

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 Tom Radford and his experience of the area.

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

The Forest is my home, and I have always loved nature and especially woodland. I feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation when I am surrounded by trees and bird song. Being able to capture the beauty of where I live for others to enjoy brings a great joy to me.

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

I believe that people should find their own special places within the Forest. Part of the joy is exploring and finding somewhere that means something to you for whatever reason. Be it seeing an animal, a particular tree, or even just a place that brings a smile to your face. Whilst there are many special places in and around the Forest that are very popular, nothing is more special than a place you found and has a particular memory and feeling attached to it.

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

I absolutely love Autumn in the Forest. Everything goes golden and brown, the leaves fall and provide more light deep within the Woodlands that often doesn’t get any, and the animals become more active, searching for fallen food. We often also get incredible morning mists, which can be pierced by low level sunbeams which can create some incredible atmospheric images.

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

It will have to be tree in the Autumn light with the sun rays illuminating the area.

I found out earlier that day, that my Grandmother had passed away unexpectedly. After work, I decided to go for a walk in the woods and just contemplate things. I had several cheeky encounters with a fox, that I’m positive was playing hide and seek with me, it would pop out of the undergrowth in front of me before darting back in and disappearing for a few minutes, only to do the same again further down the track.

I found myself in a part of the woods I hadn’t really explored before and after fighting through some dense foliage, this scene presented itself with the sun providing a magnificent display of orange light. As soon as I took the photo and looked at the screen of the camera, I heard my Grandmothers voice.. I knew exactly what she would have said if she had seen it, she was always very complimentary about my photography over the years.

I walked away with a big smile on my face and feeling much happier than when I first started out on that walk.

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

I’d like people to know the Forest has many forms of beauty, whether that’s the incredible wildlife we have, the ancient woodlands, or even the relics of past industry.

We have a vast history here and the Forest has seen many changes, but wherever you look, you can always find something special.

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

It's become a lot busier in recent years, which is both a blessing and a curse.

Obviously tourism is a big thing here and very much needed, but it is getting harder to find truly quiet spots that are untouched. Sadly, more people often also means more litter. It amazes and baffles me how I can be deep in the woods, where surely not many people go, but still find piles of rubbish.

That being said, I do quite enjoy coming across the many old rubbish tips left by our ancestors and seeing all the old bottles and other waste left by them, maybe in 100 years time, someone will feel the same about the waste that I keep seeing that’s been left.

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

Explore, take your time, look up, down and all around.

Try to avoid the obvious shots you’ve already seen, or at least try to add something extra to it to make it yours.

If photographing wildlife, respect them, they are wild and deserve to be as undisturbed as possible. In an ideal world, and what I strive for, is to be unnoticed. Get my shots and leave, without them knowing I was even there.

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

It has to be Greenhill Coffee Roasters in Cinderford. I've been into coffee for a long time and always wanted somewhere local I could buy my beans. I

 knew about Greenhill for quite a while, but for one reason or another had never actually used them, until earlier this year where I placed an online order and asked to collect it, as I work just around the corner. Not only is Neil, the owner of one of the nicest people I've ever met, his coffee is amazing and its almost like he roasts it to my exact taste. I'm so happy I've found somewhere so close to home that I can support, and also feel truly valued as a customer.