Batsford Arboretum Photography Workshops Autumn - Gloucs

Batsford Arboretum always provides a terrific display of colour, texture and contrasts throughout Autumn. The photography workshops at Batsford are always very popular and give a wide range of topics to photograph.

You may like the close-up details of a leaf, fungi or texture of vibrant bark, or the wider angle views of colours and tree shapes that grace this location. There really is a complete range and choice for everyone here so it's not to be missed.

Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world's most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs, and bamboos spread across 56 acres.

THE ARBORETUM - HISTORY Batsford Arboretum was the brainchild of Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, who inherited the Batsford estate in 1886. Freeman-Mitford, later the 1st Lord Redesdale, travelled widely throughout the Orient and was heavily influenced by Chinese and Japanese culture, philosophy, and horticulture.

Upon taking possession of Batsford, he created a unique mix of parkland and garden, with groupings of plants in imitation of Chinese style. Redesdale was an expert in bamboos, and many of the bamboo plants you can see today were his plantings.

Redesdale also began to plant unusual varieties of plants and trees, alongside a 600-meter-long watercourse. Included in his vision were a hermit's cave, rockery, and a rest house. The foundation established by Lord Redesdale was greatly expanded by Frederick Hamilton Wills, the 2nd Lord Dulverston, who inherited Batsford in 1956.

It is to Lord Dulverston that Batsford owes a great deal of its appeal today; he added considerably to the collection of trees, creating at Batsford an arboretum of the highest international standards.

THE COLLECTIONS Though the focus of Batsford is truly international, it is in the area of Oriental shrubs and trees that the collection shines. There are over 3,000 labeled plants, trees, and shrubs at Batsford. Notable varieties include oaks, maples, mountain ashes, magnolias, Japanese cherries, bamboos, and pines. Batsford holds the national collection of Japanese Village Cherries.

Booking

Batsford Arboretum photography workshops in autumn - 2025 Dates

• Half-Day morning workshops are 8 am to 11.30 am

• Half-Day afternoon workshops are 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm

• One Day workshops are 8 am to 3:30 pm

Dates 2025

• Fri 24th Oct

• Sat 25th Oct

• Sun 26th Oct

• Wed 29th Oct

• Thu 30th Oct

• Fri 31st Oct

Terms for all workshops & classes

• Price includes entrance to Arboretum, where applicable and all tuition

• Workshop/class dates are subject to a minimum number of participants

  • In the event of insufficient bookings or bad weather, alternative dates will be offered.

• Participants are responsible for attending with appropriate footwear and are responsible for their own equipment.

• Under 16's welcome but must be accompanied by a paying adult.

• Bookings are confirmed within 24hrs & joining instructions will be emailed out 4-7 days prior to the event date.

• Maximum group size six attendees for Autumn Photography Workshops.

• Please read my terms and conditions as all bookings made are bound by them.

Essentials for all photography workshops

• Suitable for any camera (Compact, Bridge and DSLR)

• Suitable for any level - complete beginner to advanced photographers

• Receive 1-2-1 tuition and support throughout the workshop

• Practical advice on camera settings and composition of images

• No specialist equipment required

Batsford Arboretum Photography Workshop Content

• A brief introduction for 20-30 min and a lesson on basic camera settings, techniques and the things to look for

• A 3hr guided walk around the best seasonal part of Batsford Arboretum to make images with Alan's support and input.

• Alan will guide you on;

  • Camera Settings

  • Exposure & Colour Settings

  • Composition and Framing

  • Abstract, Close-Up, Macro, Vista and any type of shot you want to create.

• Image review and feedback throughout the workshop.

• If you book a full 1-day workshop then we will break around midday and have a 30-60 min lunch break before continuing in a different part of the Arboretum in the afternoon.

The Arboretum has a great cafe and facilities but you can also bring your own packed lunch if preferred.

Fitness level Required - Easy

This trip is rated as easy, meaning that most people with average health/fitness can comfortably deal with the short walks and occasional steps or gradients involved and be comfortable on their feet for the duration of the workshop event.

Equipment for this workshop

 You will be provided with a complete list of suggested equipment upon booking.   The following is a summary of recommended items but it's not all essential:

• Any type of camera

• Spare battery

• Tripod ( I have some for hire (£20 for day or £10 for half-day) if you don't own one yet) but let me know in advance so I know how many to bring. Alternately this is my recommended tripod for beginners at c£150

• No specialist lenses required we can make use of whatever you have. Any lens or lenses covering wide-angle (15-24mm) to mid and long telephoto (24-200mm) plus a macro lens is ideal to cover all opportunities.

• Remote cable release, useful but not essential as you can use cameras self-timer

• A circular polariser filter is useful for removing highlights, wet surfaces and reflections but not essential (remember to order the diameter size that fits your main lens)

• NDs and Grads are not really required for the type of photography we do, but if you want to bring them I’m happy to assist with their use

• A kneeling mat or dustbin liner is useful when doing low down shots

• A large polythene bag (sandwich bag) is useful for wrapping around the camera/lens if light rain

• A micro cloth for absorbing any drizzle/rain from equipment

• Waterproof shoes or boots and warm clothing - hat, scarf and gloves if the weather forecast is below 12 degrees.

• Flask of tea/coffee and snacks to keep you energised