Photo-walk at Ashclyst Forest + 'Hidden Species' Wildlife Photo Exhibition

Join us on Tuesday 19th November for a photo-walk around the beautiful Ashclyst Forest, plus an opportunity to view the 'Hidden Species' Wildlife Photography Exhibition and meet the photographer Holly Daniels.

This photo-walk will provide participants with the opportunity to visit and photograph the wonderful plants, trees and wildlife that make the forest their home.

In addition, there are many different trees and plants to photograph along with various insects and birds including 30 different species of butterfly, if you are lucky you may spot an owl or Buzzard.

This photo-walk will take place on Tuesday 19th November at 10:30am and for those who require it, then we have limited minibus transport from Exeter, which will leave at 10:00am.

For those coming by car, then please head to the Forest Gate Carpark - What3Words ///invite.subjects.songbirds .

PLEASE NOTE: There are no toilets at the forest and there are clear paths with varied terrain including small inclines, so only motorised wheelchairs can be used.

Header image © Clive Chilvers, National Trust & Paula Hyland

National Trust owned conifer forest, Ashclyst Forest, was created nearly two centuries ago as a result of the 7th Baronet of Killerton Sir Thomas Acland’s plan to plant the trees to provide timber for the Killerton Estate. It is now one of the largest areas of woodland in East Devon and has since become a home for a large variety of butterflies, birds and a whole array of other wildlife – there’s even a good chance of spotting deer darting between the trees. As you stroll around the forest, keep your eyes peeled for the forest giants at Sprydon Beacon. These are some of the first giant redwoods brought to the country around 200 years ago. Ashclyst Forest is also an ideal location for basking in the beauty of bluebells that colour the woodland floor at this time of year.

The Hidden Species Project was created by Killerton wildlife volunteer Holly Daniels in 2023 to bring attention to our lesser seen British species. This photography series has since won the 'Igniting Innovation Award' from Woodland Trust, and will be showcased in Ashclyst Forest (purple route) this November. Join Holly on a guided walk of the woodland to learn about the inspiration and process behind each of the featured photographs, including the Hazel Dormouse and Pipistrelle Bat, among others.

Walking with Cameras is a two-year project that will provide over 40 innovative photo-walks for people in Exeter and the surrounding regions. This photo-walks programme will provide an alternative means of social interaction, healthy activity, creative engagement, and it will provide participants with the opportunity to visit and photograph a range of inspiring locations for 3-4 hours, where they can create their own images or take part in a photographic tasks.

The locations in this project will be varied, but will include forests and woodlands, wetlands, local urban areas, country parks, country houses and local historical landmarks. This project is open to all adult communities across the City of Exeter and Devon, with a special focus for people who have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health issue, for those in the community who are experiencing social isolation and for people who are affected by a disability or are using a wheelchair.

This project has been funded by The National Lottery Awards for All England Programme and it will enable participants to create their own photo-story, build a portfolio of images and take part in a fun and creative activity.

Meridian Raw CIO is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and fostering a climate in which all participants may take part and feel safe. We recognise and value our diverse population and we are committed to fair treatment of all participants.

Harassment and disparate treatment based on race, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion will not be permitted or tolerated.

• Everyone who attends this photo-walk does so at their own risk.
• Facilitators, venue tour guides & volunteers assume no responsibility for anyone attending any event & will not be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused. You indicate that you accept these conditions by attending the photo walk.
• Participants are responsible for wearing suitable footwear & clothing for the environment. Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk, the safety of themselves and the suitability of any equipment used.
• Meridian Raw CIO cannot take responsibility for others possessions, or any loss of said possessions, so advise that they are kept with them at all times.
• Any Medical Conditions that may affect the participants during the walk should be notified to the walk leader/facilitator prior to the start of the walk.
• No dogs are permitted, unless they are a service dog or by arrangement
• If taking arranged transport, in the unlikely event an individual does not arrive at the drop off/collection point at a timely manner and said transport leaves without participant, Meridian Raw CIO cannot take responsibility for individuals' journey to/from the location, so any costs incurred would be the individual's responsibility.

Host or Publisher Meridian Raw CIC