Woodland workshop
Springtime in Snowdonia
3–9 May 2026 · Eryri National Park
The UK’s temperate rainforest developed after the last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago, when warming conditions allowed trees like oak and birch to spread across the western, wetter parts of Britain. These forests once covered large areas, but from the Neolithic period onward they were steadily cleared for farming, timber, and grazing. The decline accelerated during the Industrial Revolution due to deforestation and air pollution, which severely affected sensitive species. By the 20th century, only small, fragmented remnants survived. These rare ecosystems are now recognised as one of Britain’s most important and threatened natural habitats.
In this 6-day workshop we will enjoy the beauty of vitality of our rainforests, with their characterful sessile oaks, picturesque waterfalls, and an otherworldly understory of mossy boulders, ferns, spring flowers, and rare lichens.
What to expect
I’m committed to creating an enjoyable and inspirational experience in which you can relax, explore, and make beautiful photographs.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation starting from Sunday 3rd May 2026
- En-suite rooms single occupancy rooms.
- Breakfast and evening meals included
- Transportation to all photography locations during the workshop
- Tuition & guidance from Simon
Not included
- Insurance
- Travel to the accommodation
- Drinks from the bar
Accommodation
Beautiful period residence
Our base is a beautiful period residence that’s conveniently located for our woodland explorations. Each spacious bedroom has its own private bathroom, and the rest of the property offers plenty of comfortable space to either relax or work on image editing.
The kitchen will be stocked with the usual provisions and food for breakfast, but everyone is welcome to bring what they like in terms of extra food and drink etc. We’ll help ourselves to breakfast each morning, but evenings meals will be enjoyed at local restaurants/pubs.
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 off the beaten path and sometimes on very uneven terrain where the ground could be loose, rocky 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.