Woodland workshop
Lake District with Joe Cornish
28 September – 3 October 2026 · Grasmere, Lake District
The English Lake District is a fascinating synthesis of mountain landscapes divided by lakes and tarns, a by-product of thousands of years of wet weather! In the no-too-distant past it was also a hive of industry with quarries galore, extracting its stone and slate for a nation with a burgeoning empire. Today these have mostly been abandoned, and are being transformed by natural regeneration. Quarries are a fascinating places to seek out trees and developing woodland. Many are found around Langdale and Coniston, not far from Grasmere.
Following the retreat of glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, woodland developed here widely, and fragments of ancient woodland remain. The landscape has also been subject to the designs of wealthy and ambitious landlords who planted trees of their own preference, especially in the Victorian era. Sheep farming has suppressed the growth of trees in many areas, but these open areas all adds to the varied matrix of textures and colours that make up the wider Lakeland prospect.
While concentrating primarily on woodland, we will also likely find a few spots that give us views and perspectives over some of England’s most beautiful scenery.
There will also be time to review our work together, to get – and give – feedback, and to learn editing tips and techniques with the final goal of making really good prints. As the colours start to turn autumnal and the days shorten it’s a wonderful time of year to be in one of the UK’s most compelling landscapes.
What to expect
We’re committed to creating an enjoyable and inspirational experience in which you can relax, eat well, and make beautiful photographs.
Included
- 5 nights accommodation starting from Monday 28th September 2026
- Fantastic single occupancy rooms.
- Breakfast and 3 course evening meals included
- Transportation to all photography locations during the workshop
- Tuition & guidance from Simon and Joe
Not included
- Insurance
- Travel to the accommodation
- Drinks from the bar
Accommodation
The Grand at Grasmere
A beautifully modern retreat in the heart of Grasmere, where dramatic fell views meet lake district luxury. Nestled between Grasmere village and the shimmering lake, The Grand offers the perfect base for our Lake District adventure.
Relax in thoughtfully designed rooms, savour locally-inspired dining in the restaurant, and unwind with drinks overlooking the private gardens.
Fitness & Experience
Although some of the outings will only be a short walk from the car, having a good level of fitness will be an advantage on this workshop. We may be walking for up to 1 hour from the car, off the beaten path and sometimes on very uneven terrain where the ground could be loose, boggy or steep. This is very much an outdoor workshop in an environment that can be unforgiving. If you are of ill health or suffer any physical ailments, this is probably not the right workshop for you. If in doubt, please get in touch.
This workshop caters for photographers of all skill levels and experience but, to get the most out of the week, you will ideally be comfortable with the technical use of your camera.
Workshop Leaders
Simon Baxter
Simon Baxter is a full-time woodland photographer, writer and educator whose fascination with trees deepened in 2015, when he discovered how restorative and quietly magical time in woodland could be. His work is rooted in slowing down, following curiosity and embracing a child-like sense of wonder in the quieter corners of the landscape. He is happiest off the beaten path with his camera and Meg, his constant woodland companion, at his side.
Joe Cornish
Although Joe has photographed trees since first falling in love with photography (in the mid-1970s) it’s only in the last decade that trees and woodland became an obsession. He still loves photographing other kinds of landscapes, and is a strong advocate for collaboration with other photographers. Recent exhibitions include Still time to Wonder, Woodland Sanctuary, and All the Wood’s a stage, the latter two being shared with Simon.