Winter in Kielder Forest

Hidden in one of England’s most isolated corners, Kielder Forest covers over 250-square miles of remote upland terrain. In This is Northumberland 2022 woodland photography extraordinaire observes the changing season in England’s largest forest.

A true wonderland. When the forest has a blanket of fresh snow on the ground and all the trees have turned white there is a beautiful silence about the place. The first time I experienced Kielder Forest in the depths of winter I felt like I had stumbled across a fairy tale setting. So quiet, myself, my partner and my dog ‘Rango’ love to explore and find little tracks amongst the trees. The only sounds are footsteps and snow gently falling from the pines up ahead. Kielder forest is a wild and ever changing location and winter has to be my favourite time of year to visit. A 4x4 vehicle is desirable with some roads quickly disappearing when we are lucky enough to see some snow fall, given its rural location. I love this about the forest, its whereabouts and the expanse of it gives explores like myself the opportunity to go where others recently haven’t. The trees and the landscape seemingly untouched with the fresh snow hiding any footsteps.

This particular spot photographed is a hidden gem directly off the main road with a small carpark. Tall trees run parallel to a clearing you can easily walk along. Haze gathers in the thick forest either side creating a truly magical experience in nature. I have been lucky enough on one very cold occasion to encounter hoar frost which covered everything. Every branch, every pine needle, the footpaths around Kielder water, all frosty white. It’s a spectacular scene to be greeted with on the road approaching from the south side. These conditions can be treacherous but with some careful planning and the correct winter equipment it’s a wonderful place to be on these frosty winter days.

Photography & words by Hannah Cooke (@hannah_goes_exploring)