Trees and Woodlands
THE MAGICAL STRAWBERRY GROVE The positive impact nature can have on the mind, body and soul shall always just how important it is to treasure the natural landscapes we still have. It has this way of soothing and comforting us; in such a way we always feel so welcomed and at peace when surrounded by nature. Moments when golden sunbeams piercing a canopy of trees can appear like something from a deep tranquil dream; magic amongst normality. This woodland has always been there for me through out my life; times of wonder and fascination, times in need for inspiration both in life and my own journey with art, times in need of peaceful solitude, during times of distress, upset and uncertainty. The magic of this small common land woods still stands despite the ever-growing neighbouring estate and industrial park, and although not the highest rated place to visit; it shall always be one of the most important places to me and I’m sure many others too! Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
SHIVELIGHT A foggy morning when the woods felt as if they were coming alive by the streaking warm rays of sunlight that had managed to pierce the tree canopy. Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
AUTUMNS WARM WELCOME On this fresh, damp and grey early autumnal morning there was a soothing feeling the moment I had entered the place that has always been so important to me. The ground itself was what felt like a softening warm carpet under a blanket of overhanging multiple colours and tones of autumn foliage. As I stood at this spot to take in the beautiful surroundings; this lower branch of the tree appeared to be discreetly reaching towards me in such a way that felt like I was being welcomed into this peaceful environment. Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
AN INVITATIONAL BRIEF MOMENT During the day the evergreen tree canopy only lets varied small sections of sunlight through yet for a very short period of time prior to sunset the character of these woods completely changes. The lower parts of the trees warmly glow in a softening vibrant golden orange making it feel so welcoming and beautiful to be surrounded amongst. Since childhood it has always seemed to be a place that has been there to touch and soften my own heart when I needed it the most for so many different reasons. Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
REACHING FOR THE STARS This small tree with such character just seemed to be standing so bravely under the star lit sky. With branches that could even appear to be like a hand just reaching for the mysteries of the universe. It goes personally a bit deeper than that too; it was amongst my early night walks after my brain surgery and a time I had a lot to figure out about changes I had been through. This heathland became a true place of escape, reflection and appreciation under the night sky. Ash Ranges, Ash, Surrey, UK
VIBRANT STRAWBERRY GROVE Despite being a light grey cloudy morning; the stunning display of warm autumn colours in these small woodlands appeared to just bring the environment to life in such a vibrant and welcoming way. Despite the neighbouring and expanding industrial estate; these often over looked woods are such a beautiful and vital presence to both humans and nature itself. Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
REACHING FOR THE MOON This old weathered yet still living tree just appeared to be standing so proudly and with such brave character as its live branches seemed to be reaching for the moon on this night. Guildford, Surrey, UK.
DANCING WITH NATURE A tree that has grown influenced by natures forces, and when I saw it like this it appeared as it was in rhythm with the drifting clouds Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK
WARMING INVITATION Nature can have this amazing way of feeling so inviting; soothed by the sounds of singing birds and a warming welcome by the low sunlight penetrating and illuminating the woodlands. The colours produced by nature can become so unique and special to witness. Surrey, UK
KEEP REACHING An old tree that clearly is the state of decomposition, weathering and in the cycle of natural decay. Yet despite this it appeared so beautiful and intriguing to the eye, and as I looked at it during this moment; it still appeared as if it was making the most of reaching for and pointing to the stars. Isle of Wight, UK
LOOKING UP These two isolated pine trees just looked as they were reaching for the magic of the universe; a world beyond the one they were currently on or trying to make contact with the well-known Orion constellation. On a personal note; this was a big turning point for me. After my changes from brain surgery, it was the first time I could get out again on my own; the start of a personal quest to rediscover myself too. The stars were always a beautiful intrigue to me with such a tranquil, soothing and healing sensation every time I would look up at them. Ash Ranges, Ash, Surrey, UK
REACHING It had been a cold and foggy night as I strolled through the woods at dawn. There were two things that caught my imagination here; firstly, appearing is these trees were trying to reach free of the woods and above the fog. Secondly; as if these trees were working in harmony and in rhythm with one another, almost if they were all dancing at the same time. The joys of letting imagination wonder when amongst nature. Newlands Corner, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
SNOW TREE Snow had continued to fall as this tree with true character seemed as if it was reaching out of the settled snow upon the fields. Guildford, Surrey, UK.
SNOW TREE 2 Thick snow has recently been quite rare here; yet on this occasion was different. Fields became deeply blanketed by thick snow in a true character of winter. Guildford, Surrey, UK.
STILL STANDING PROUDLY Despite being in the process of slowly breaking down through natural cycles and elements; this old aged decaying tree stump appeared to still proudly be reaching for the magic of the clear star lit night. Shanklin, Isle of Wight, UK,
WARM WELCOMING OF STRAWBERRY GROVE It felt like I was entering a completely different world as I left the estate to the neighbouring common. A low winters sun warming and burning through the mist made the area so inviting and so comforting; particularly as the sun light penetrated an opening in the canopy. It’s amazing how creative imagination can also be sparked during such a thought-provoking scene captured in nature. I walked in the hope of finding some temporal inner-peace and relaxation; I found a warm welcoming to Strawberry Grove and a feeling of temporal serenity. Strawberry Grove, Guildford, Surrey, UK.