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Winter Magic in the Forest of Dean

Writer's picture: James Kelly-SmithJames Kelly-Smith

The Forest of Dean has a unique charm in the Winter months and in this blog I will take you through my photography in the colder months, and why I love to capture to Forest at this time of year.


Frosty forest scene with trees and ground covered in white. Text reads "Winter Magic in the Forest of Dean" in the center. Peaceful mood.

The Forest of Dean, located between the Wye and Severn rivers, is one of Gloucestershire's stunning yet often underappreciated regions. Its history traces back to Roman times, marking the beginning of its mining and timber heritage. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a Royal hunting ground and supplied essential resources for British/English military campaigns, including the World Wars and the invasions of Ireland. This rich history has shaped the Forest of Dean's present landscape, offering distinctive and diverse woodlands.


I personally think this is one of it's main charms that separates it from other Forest's around the country. Despite it's smaller size compared to other British woodlands, wandering through the trails you will quickly find yourself in amongst varying scenery, ranging from woodlands of evergreens, oaks & beeches, as well as heathland in clearings and many lakes and ponds rich in wildlife. It's never dull, and that's why during what is arguably the dullest seasons of the year, the Forest of Dean can really come into it's own.


Snow Place like the Forest

Mallards Pike picnic area in the Forest of Dean during the snow at Winter
Mallards Pike Picnic Area in the Snow

Observing snow in the forest can be enchanting, transforming its appearance and atmosphere entirely. In the US comedy show 'Ugly Betty', Wilhelmina remarks, "Snow is a magical blanket, it hides what's ugly and makes everything beautiful". While I don't mean to imply the forest is 'ugly', it's true that nature is often untidy with fallen trees, branches, and disturbed ground from wildlife, creating a chaotic forest floor. This can pose a challenge for photography. However, snow conceals all of that, offering a pristine and clean canvas. I have also noticed that snow is a great at reducing noise. You find wandering through the Forest those noises that rumble on in the background - that you never noticed - disappear and the silence can almost become deafening. What is great about it though is the bird song and wildlife crunching the snow close by can be heard more vividly.

Footbridge at Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean with footprints in the snow.
Footprints in the Snow

The only jeopardy are footprints of course and I find myself having to think a few steps ahead whenever out with the camera. The last thing I want to be doing is my usual toing and froing trying to capture the scene, and find evidence of my wandering in the foreground of the perfect composition. Of course, footsteps can look good in an image. Take this one I caught after a man and his dog walked over the footbridge at Mallards Pike. Thought this was quite a lovely shot, and actually added some depth to it. Also, I find there is something quite emotive about one person and their faithful companions wandering in nature.


Snow has generally alluded me in the 4 years I've lived in the Forest of Dean. This has been for many reasons, from not being prepared for snowfall to messing up capturing the photos having not photographs the snow before. However, this Winter I've managed to add a few to the portfolio (and am secretly hoping for another opportunity before Spring makes it's arrival). The challenges I have found with it have been getting the right exposure. Using a digital camera, there are some automated functions that you sort of get used to which work fine in normal conditions I shoot in.

Snow-covered pine trees in a misty forest create a calm, wintery scene. The sky is overcast, casting a cold, serene mood. Forest of Dean.
Snowy Evergreens

Or, I have come accustomed to the compensations I have had to make where they don't quite work out. But snow here doesn't come that often, and therefore it's conditions I'm not that used to. The main challenge is that the whiteness of the snow tends to confuse the camera into thinking it's a bright scene, and therefore images straight out of the camera tend to look greyish with the white snow looking like it needs a bit of the Daz treatment. You can sometimes get this back through the editing process, but there have bene some that are just not salvageable without really extensive editing that would make the photo look unreal. So sometimes, going against instincts, it's sometimes a good idea to slightly overexpose the shot to bring out those pure snowy whites.

Snow-covered forest path framed by bare trees. Brown leaves add contrast. The scene is serene and wintry, with no text visible.
Footpath through the Forest whilst snowing

'Frost' of Dean

Aerial view of a winding road through a snowy forest. A white car drives along the path amid frosty trees, creating a serene winter scene.
Frosty Forest along the Wenchford Road

Aside from the snow, the Forest of Dean can look stunning when Jack Frost arrives. As I mentioned before, the landscape can vary and this means that some spaces are more prone and exposed to frosty conditions. Since getting a drone towards the end of last year, looking at the Forest from above it became really apparent. I think it also has to do with the varying species of trees. As you can see in this photo of the Wenchford Road, there are different varieties with some capturing the frost more intensely that the others. This means that it's so unpredictable when there are frosty conditions due to not knowing where the best places are to go. But in some ways I like that because it always keeps it fresh and exciting.


Frosty conditions is also a good time to be capturing details. My favourites are fallen leaves and ferns/bracken. The frost has a way of creating more definition to leaf structures and with the bluey shadows of a Winter's morning against the burnt oranges and browns work pretty well as an aesthetic.

Frost-covered trees in a tranquil forest, surrounded by a frosty landscape. The scene evokes a serene, chilly atmosphere.
The varieties of Winter colour at Moseley Green

One of the best places to go are the clearings at Moseley Green. Whilst having the open space that is heavily dotted with silver birches and small areas of oaks, around the periphery are varied woodlands which make some amazing backdrops. Visit here in early Winter and you maybe lucky to capture frost with some of the last Autumnal colours clinging on into the coldest months.

Misty forest landscape with a dirt path winding through frosted trees and rocky ground. Overcast sky sets a serene, wintry mood. Forest of Dean
Shakemantle Quarry

Whilst these can make some really stunning photos, I always come away from these shoots with my hands refusing to work anymore. I do suffer I think from poor circulation, probably linked to my low blood pressure, and there always comes a time when I struggle to turn the dials of the camera. It can be quite frustrating, especially when the right light hits. I have tried keeping my gloves on, but that has also resulted in some wild camera settings being used or focusing on completely the wrong place.


Not to be mist

Not unique to Winter of course, but cold weather can bring in some beautiful icy mist and foggy conditions. Being a Forest that conceals a lot of it's mining heritage within the woodlands, the foggy conditions always feels to me like looking back through the mists of time.

Foggy scene with an old stone bridge over a muddy path, surrounded by bare trees and brown foliage. Quiet, mysterious atmosphere.
Old transport bridge in the centre of the Forest of Dean

For a photographer, certainly in areas where the trees are looking particularly bare these industrial relics become great subjects, and are enhanced by the atmospheric conditions. Just like with the frost, fog and mist can be very patchy though out the Forest of Dean. Whenever it's forecast, it's never guaranteed where it will hit, and I find myself sometimes driving around trying to find the best spots. This is partly to do with the various open spaces, but also the Forest is sat high between the Severn & Wye and undulates quite a bit between the two. That means there are areas where fog can sit for a while. It can be quite treacherous to drive in sometimes, especially when you have wildlife that can jump out at any moment. But if it's not too thick, it can be lovely driving through the woods, dipping in and out of the fog.

Foggy forest path with bare trees on both sides. The mood is serene and mysterious, with a muted color palette of browns and grays.
Some areas of bare trees can be beautiful to walk through on foggy days

Now, I'm not going to sit here and over romanticise that the Forest is beautiful every day thoughtout Winter, and some areas can look a bit bleak. But, add a bit of fog and it can create an intriguing eerie charm. Like this pathway through the woods (above) with completely bare trees. Thankfully, as I said before, no area of the Forest looks the same for long, and on this stretch you hit evergreens at the top of the hill.

Old stone building at night, illuminated by warm lights. Foggy atmosphere, creating a mysterious mood. No visible text. Speech House Hotel & Restaurant, Forest of Dean.
Haunting looking Speech House Hotel

I did try this year to capture a shot I have had envisaged for a while. Speech House Hotel is central to the Forest of Dean's history. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Charles II, it became an administrative centre for the area. Now a hotel & restaurant, it sits on the busiest road through the Forest and because of that, for me, it has always given that highwayman's inn kind of a feel. With that & its history, you can only imagine the ghost stories. That's why I wanted to capture this dark, misty, haunting side of Speech House. Think 'Jamaica Inn' in Cornwall. It took me a couple of attempts to capture, mainly because of parked cars at the front, but finally got there and I'm so pleased of the result.


Saturated Skies

Two leafless trees stand in a frosty field under a vivid sunrise with pink and orange clouds, creating a calm, serene atmosphere.
Intense sunrise on the edge of the Forest overlooking the Severn Vale.

I don't know if there is any science to it, but I always maintain that sunrises (and sunsets) in the Winter can have a certain potence to them, and can produce some of the most beautiful colours of the year. I mean, take this image above close to Awre. This has to be one of the best sunrises I witnessed this Winter. In terms of good sunrise/sunsets scenes in the Forest of Dean, these are actually a bit few and far between, for the obvious reasons...that the trees are in the way!!!

Tree silhouetted against a sunrise in a foggy forest. Soft, golden light filters through branches, creating a serene and peaceful mood. Woorgreens Nature Reserve in the Forest of Dean.
Cool misty morning at Woorgreens Nature Reserve

However, whilst a big vista scene like the one at Awre is a rarity, the light penetrates the woodlands in some beautiful ways. One of my favourite places to go of a Winter morning if the conditions look likely for some gorgeous light is Woorgreens Nature Reserve. For those who follow me on social media know it's probably one of my favourite places throughout the year and it's because there is so much here. Woodlands, heathland, lakes & the sculpture trail is not far away. But the open heathland does give lots of opportunity for the light to shine through, whether it's the scattered lone trees or into the dense woodlands itself. And add some mist...truly magical indeed!




Change of Perspective

This winter in the Forest of Dean has been charming to capture so far - aside from the stormy weather - and I encourage you to consider exploring the outdoors during the colder months. There's an abundance of sights to enjoy, with the season offering its own distinct charm. Embrace the tranquility and the unique beauty that winter brings. So, wrap up warm and venture out to experience all that this enchanting landscape has to offer.


If you enjoyed these photos, make sure to check out my print store where you can buy my work on high quality paper with exceptional printing for your home. I can also get these professionally framed for you (saving the hassle). Some have standard framing options, but contact me if there is anything specific you would like.



And for the encore, here's a few more photos I've taken this Winter...



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Nichola Beech
Jan 28
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Love the photos, & Speech House really looks mysterious with the mist & lighting. I just wish the snow had lasted a little longer than the few days it was here!

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Thank you. That Speech House shot came out better than I had anticipated, so I'm really pleased with it. Yeh, same here with the snow! There are a couple of spots I would have liked to have got to before it melted.

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