British rainforests: The last remaining photographs by a photographer
These images aren't depicting tropical rainforests, but the rarely seen temperate rainforests in the UK. These forests thrived in the wet, temperate climates of western Britain and Ireland before being reduced to less than 1% of the nation due to agricultural practices and urbanization.
Photographer Joanna Vestey was astounded to learn about the existence of these rainforests in her own country and set out to visit them, capturing their beauty through photos and audio recordings. On display in an exhibit at London's Fitzrovia Chapel, she hopes to raise awareness about the critical habitat while exploring its healing potential.
Forest bathing
Vestey's first visit to a temperate rainforest was in Devon, and the difference was stark. From a standard conifer forest, she moved into a cooler area with diverse tree types like oak, birch, ash, and pine, along with a mossy tapestry covering it all. The experience left her feeling spellbound.
Having visited around 60% of the UK's remaining temperate rainforests, Vestey took a unique approach. She would choose a spot, set up her tripod, and take a photo with an analog camera over two hours. This method produced a distinct effect, with blurred branches and raindrops on the lens enhancing the organic nature of the photos.
Inspired by "forest bathing," a practice originating in Japan that involves quiet contemplation, deep breathing, and being surrounded by trees for mental and physical health benefits, Vestey examined how immersion in nature's sounds could positively impact mental health.
For her final exhibit of 26 photos, Vestey spent a total of three days and two nights capturing these sensory experiences. Accompanied by a recording of the forest's soundscape – from babbling brooks to torrential rainfall, bird calls, and wind rustling through the trees – she aims to allow people without access to these tranquil environments to virtually experience sitting in the rainforest.
Healing powers
Vestey has received funding from the UK's Arts Council to collaborate with University of Exeter researchers in examining whether forest bathing's benefits could be replicated through audio and visual experiences. She's also working with The Thousand Year Trust, a charity founded by Merlin Hanbury-Tenison and his wife, Lizzie, who believe in the therapeutic powers of temperate rainforests.
Hanbury-Tenison and his wife sought relief from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and miscarriage-related emotional struggles by spending more time at the ancient woodland at Cabilla, their farm in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. Observing the healing effect firsthand led them to dedicate their energy to preserving and promoting the rainforests' health benefits.
The charity is focusing on increasing tree plantings and reforestation efforts across the UK, intending to triple the amount of rainforests in 30 years. In addition to preserving the natural environment, they're exploring ways to synthesize the chemicals that thrive in these forests, such as terpenes, which some claim can reduce inflammation and cortisol levels while strengthening immune systems.
"The rainforest has the power to help people heal, and I want to share that experience with as many people as possible," said Vestey. "My hope is that the exhibition will transform the visitors' perspective on nature and inspire them to appreciate its therapeutic potential."
Vestey aims to blur the lines between science and art with her photography, hoping it can make the transition from gallery walls to support and wellbeing spaces, while simultaneously raising consciousness about the UK's vanishing rainforests.
"I've always been fascinated by the potential of photography to exaggerate and emphasize things," she shared. "If someone engages with a photo, they can pick up on its message and choose to foster a deeper connection with nature or be more proactive in environmental stewardship."
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In her exhibition at London's Fitzrovia Chapel, Joanna Vestey showcases her photos with an emphasis on capturing the style and atmosphere of the UK's temperate rainforests, aiming to stimulate visitors' senses and promote awareness about their healing potential.
Unconventional methods such as using an analog camera for two hours to create blurred and organic images reflect Vestey's unique style, highlighting the intricate beauty and therapeutic qualities of the British rainforests.
Source: edition.cnn.com
