Worcestershire Landscapes

Worcestershire is my home county, apart from a brief spell away in my late teens I have lived here for the majority of my life, it is home, and I know the landscape well, the people and places that make up one of the UK's quieter and more rural locations. Being landlocked, Worcestershire has a vast and diverse array nature reserves, woods, meadows, farmlands and rivers that intersect the county from north to south and east to west. 

Worcestershire also has the most impressive and famous mini mountain range, The Malvern Hills which dominates the landscape from all directions, with the Worcestershire Beacon affording extensive panoramic views that includes the Lickey Hills near Redditch, The Wrekin and past Birmingham to Cannock Chase, as well as much of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, the Welsh border mountains, the Shropshire Hills and across the valleys of the Severn and Avon to the Cotswold Hills. Parts of thirteen counties, the Bristol Channel, and the cathedrals of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford can be seen. Running due east from Worcestershire Beacon, the next highest point of land is on the western slope of the Ural Mountains.

Despite all of these attractions and draws, Worcestershire is relatively small in size in comparison to other English counties at around 1,741 km². It's landscape is dotted with little market towns some of which have seen little change in hundreds of years. Should you wish to visit there is always plenty to see. The following is an ongoing collection of images from my adventures in Worcestershire. I hope you enjoy.

Broadway Tower standing against a backdrop of Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) - Worcestershire UK

• Lights of Broadway Tower
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Samyang 24mm f1.4 Lens used:
• 24mm Focal length:
• f/2.5 Aperture:
• 20sec Exposure time:
• 2000 ISO:

Unable to rest due to the oppressive heat of the house last night, and knowing that sleep would be a near impossibility I decided to spend the night on top of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire UK in hopes of capturing the Milky Way and the Galactic Core stretching over the top. A cool pollen scented summer breeze was racing up the eastern flanks and provided me that much needed respite from the heat back at home.

Having the place to oneself and looking down upon the towns at night below is something very special. Even more special is the fact I managed to capture the Milk Way and GC in as much detail as I did, considering its a bortel class 6 location and looking south you have the bright city lights of Gloucester and Cheltenham.

www.youtube.com/c/geoffmoorephotography

• Midnight
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 15-30mm f/2.8 Lens used:
• 21mm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 60 Sec Exposure time:
• 800 ISO:

Having failed miserably at photographing the flooded Oak tress off the side of Carrington bridge on the Saturday morning, I revisited on late Sunday afternoon, this time armed with my memory cards. The weather was equally rubbish as the previous day and the fencing that has been put up to stop people falling in into the construction works or worst still the new bridge foundations made shooting a little difficult.

Standing on the crash barrier allowed me to get a handheld shot over the top of the fencing and ultimately has turned out to be a rather nice image of a location I have struggled with for some time.

As you can see the flood waters from the river Severn have spilled out into the flood plain and turned the place into a giant lake! thinking it couldn't get worse the heavens opened up and a soaking was achieved! back to the car I went.

• Oak of Carrington
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 60mmmm Focal length:
• f/4.5 Aperture:
• 250 Exposure time:
• 400 ISO:

I'm sure you are all pretty fed up with the amount of flooding we have had here in Worcestershire and other parts of the country. Floods are not only destructive and cause endless problems, but they can also make photography of usual scenes so much more interesting. Hoping to capture the Oak tress still in autumn colour to the side of Carrington Bridge, Temeside Way, Powick in Worcester, Saturday morning, the sunrise shoot really didn't go to plan with silly ole me forgetting to pack my memory cards and the conditions being dark and damp and very flat with regards to image

Heading back home for Tea and breakfast and to pick my memory cards up I thought I'd chance my luck at some of the flooded fields around the edge of my home town of Pershore. The conditions had improved and a warm light lifted the heavy clouds to reveal a slight mist and tranquil scene. Stunning.

• The Flooded Tree
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 135mm Focal length:
• f/4.5 Aperture:
• 250 Exposure time:
• 200 ISO:

Landscape Photography on Grey Overcast Weather Days & Finding Motivation

Finally a break in the grey overcast skies. I managed to motivate myself enough to drive out to one of my local photography spots, Fladbury Mill in Worcestershire. Watch below or on Youtube.

The aim was to photograph Croptthorne Mill and Fladbury Weir from viewing point of Fladbury Mill. This is my first vlog of 2019 and part of a renewed effort to start creating more content, become a better photographer and story teller. I'd be delighted if you would like to join me, on this little adventure of mine with the camera. 

Fladbury it self, is a traditional English village located in rural Worcestershire, England. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book, almost 1,000 years ago. It is sited on the banks of the River Avon, with many interesting and original buildings and features. Cropthorne village is on the opposite bank of the Avon

• The Water Mill
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 45mm Focal length:
• f/4.0 Aperture:
• 30 Sec Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Photographing a cloud inversion - Hiking up Bredon Hill, Worcestershire in the Fog

Hiking to the top of Bredon Hill in thick Fog and Mist in the dead of night what could go wrong? Noisy wild field chickens (pheasants to non enlightened) making me jump a foot. Dripping fog from the woodland canopy. A dark ascent to the summit. Watch below or on Youtube.

Join me in my search for an illusive cloud inversion over the South Worcestershire landscape for Sunrise on top of Bredon Hill.

This challenging hill walk in near zero visibility was rewarded with a rare and very uncommon cloud inversion over Worcestershire Hills and the Vale of Evesham. 99% humidity and a light wind made for perfect conditions, but did I prove tall enough to see above it from top of the hill?

Titled after my photography chum Andrew Maguire who, renamed this part of the Malvern Hills after himself! (such an artist) This image was taken as part of the Malvern Weekender II Oct 19-21st Which ran for the second year more on that below.

This image has already done well for me with 5+ pre orders and counting.  All sizes available, although it looks amazing at A3 if I do say so myself.  If you would like to know more about costings and reserving a copy for your self please do get in touch.

The Malvern Weekender Mark ii

Last year was a great success with people coming from all over the country, and this year was no exception. The weekender was great for networking, I meet serveal new photographers and some old new friends from last years event, we exchanged  stories, skills and experiences.  Hoping that the event will run next year and if it does, why not come along?

• Andrew's Saddle
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 70mm Focal length:
• f/f11 Aperture:
• 1/80 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Waiting for sunrise on British Camp. A cool and sharp wind kicking up over the hills was chilling to the bone, the warmth of sunrise was a welcome relief.  Mist and fog predicted, however wasn't as dense as the Met Office suggested it would be. Always next time right....?

• The Path
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 28mmmm Focal length:
• f/3,5 Aperture:
• 3 Sec Exposure time:
• 200 ISO:

With all the drama of the football tonight, here is a little bit more. Clear skies for 5 weeks. I have been waiting for this. Sunset over rural Worcestershire, UK

• A Bit of Drama
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 50mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/160 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Scratching a photography itch I have had for a long time, I finally managed to get chance to visit 'Mini Big Ben' nestled in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. A 3 am start with a 40 min drive and hike up a hill whilst being subjected to a base night time low of 15c made the going pretty tough. Taken as the light of the rising sun streamed through the valley, lighting up the clock tower and the tree tops shortly after.

• Abberley Clock Tower
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Canon 70-200mm F4 IS Lens used:
• 93mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/13 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

The Sun had breached the horizon casting a warmth and summer tone through the rolling mists of the wetland meadows next to the river Avon in Pershore, truely a beautiful sight to behold, being enveloped in a blanket of clouds as the morning chorus of the birds rang out all around. The Avon Meadows Community Wetland in Pershore - The Avon Meadows Community Wetlands cover 24 hectares of floodplain grassland and is located on the edge of the town. 

• Meadow Bridge
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 80mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/160 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

The Smoking Tree at Strensham with the Malvern Hills silhouetted against the settings sun. Driving home at sunset when I caught this tree smoking - Bad Tree! So I quickly pulled the car over jumped out with the camera as I had to get the image. 

Strensham is a village in the Wychavon district of Worcestershire. In the 2001 census, the civil parish of Strensham had a population of 314 across 127 households. Since 1991, the population has risen 28.7% from 244 residents.

• Smoking Tree
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 105mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/80 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Panorama Tower on the Croome Court Estate. Prints available on all my images, various sizes contact me to order

• The Temple Guardians
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 45mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 3 Sec Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Unlike the castle (Eastnor Castle), which is only visible from certain vantage points and is otherwise romantically concealed by trees and natural landscape features, The obelisk can be seen for miles around. It stands on a hill lying just west of the main Malvern Hills range and it was put up when building work started on the castle in 1812. It is listed Grade II* 

The obelisk is a monument to various distinguished members of the Somers Cocks family, the greatest of whom was John Somers, Lord Chancellor in 1700 and adviser to William III, William of Orange who arrived from the Netherlands with the Glorious Revolution in 1688. Another is Philip James Cocks, an intelligence officer on Wellington’s staff, who died at the siege of Burgos in the Peninsular War on 8th October 1812, six months after work had started on the castle. His father, later 1st Earl Somers, commissioned Robert Smirke, the architect of the castle, to build the obelisk at the same time and also found a space to add his own name to it.

Source: eastnorcastle.com/obelisk-repairs/

• Eastnor Obelisk
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 63mm Focal length:
• f/9 Aperture:
• 1/100 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Avon Meadows Community Wetland in Pershore - The Avon Meadows Community Wetlands cover 24 hectares of floodplain grassland and is located on the edge of the town. It has been designed in on-going consultation with the local community by staff from the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Wychavon District Council and is jointly owned by Wychavon and Pershore Town Council. 

In June 2009, as part of the wetland creation scheme, 50,000 reed seeds were planted in a week-long community reed planting event. The seeds for the reeds had been collected locally and grown by Pershore College staff and students. This newly created wetland has already increased biodiversity in the area and the  hope is that it will also reduce Pershore’s contribution to flooding and improve water quality in the River Avon.

• Willow Heron
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 45mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/13 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Hunting for hidden gems in the Worcestershire landscape. The weather didn't pan out how I have hoped as the light from the setting sun was muted in brightness by cloud hugging the horizon, still, a new location found and not to far away either. I shall return.

• Gem Hunting
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 80mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/4 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Now I wouldn't typically condone such brazen behaviour of skipping sleep on a school night, but sometime the conditions or should I say the opportunity presents itself and you just need to sacrifice something. Being tired at work today was well worth the sacrifice of no sleep last night...

Rewind a few hours around 8pm yesterday evening as the light of the day was beginning to ebb I succumb to this nagging urge to try an shoot the Milky Way and specifically the Galactic Core. From Worcestershire! - I know right! Milky Way hunting in the Midlands who would have thought it.

The weather and new moon was ideal with the evening forecast suggesting a cooling temperature and light to no breeze. Due to having work at 07:30 the challenge was to find a suitable location within 10 miles of where I live. This location needed manageable light pollution, reasonable access and somewhere I could get back home before 4am to get at least 2 hours sleep.

So come 00:30 armed with a couple of hours trawling google maps and a whole host of weather and astrophotography related applications, I picked a spot, that I thought might give me what I was looking for and set off

Arriving at around 01:00 hiked up in the darkness (new moon) for around 30 mins finally reaching my destination, spent the next few mins trying to work out a composition and dialled in the settings. Come 03:00 its was time to head back to the car!

• Spectacle
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 15-30mm f/2.8 Lens used:
• 15mm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 10 Exposure time:
• 3200 ISO:

Sunset on top of Jubilee Hill, Malvern Hills Sunday night with a few fellow photographers and YouTubers. The early evening light was sublime, and although the sunset wasn't the best it still delivered a cracking show a few mins later. This little meet up was like a mini photography workshop with lots of questions, tips and advise being shared. 

• Tog Tastic - Malvern Hills Sunset
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 28mm Focal length:
• f/f11 Aperture:
• 1/160 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

My first foray with the camera in a long time to the local woods and I'm sure I was being watched, Shot near the River Avon as it turns towards Defford at Pensham

• The Trees Have Eyes
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Canon 70-200mm F4 IS Lens used:
• 144mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1.5 Sec Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Night-time trek up Black Hill on the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, UK last night in hopes of catching a snowy landscape illuminated by the quarter moon. The going was pretty treacherous with lots of compacted snow and thick ice making the hike up difficult in places, however the effort was worth it. 

19:00 to 23:00 wanted to venture further along the ridge line from black hill up to the Worcestershire Beacon at 425 m (1394 Ft) but the conditions were not worth the risk, especially having work this week, any accidents would have been frowned upon, also does Malvern even have mountain rescue? I hope I never have to find out.  Still, I managed to get a few images which I'm pleased with and eased my disappointment of not being able to get out a couple of weeks back and all the snow we had then.

• Orion View
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 15-30mm f/2.8 Lens used:
• 20mmmm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 20 Sec Exposure time:
• 800 ISO:

Sat at home eating yet another slice of cake I was starting to feel very sorry for myself. So, with the clear skies forecast and a little free time on my hands I thought id take a walk under moonlight around my local nature reserve and get some fresh air and hopefully lift my mood.
In part inspired by Rob Pit who I have been following for a long time on Flickr, I thought i'd try my hand at adding the human element into an image.
Something different for me if you will. Watched the moon rise, and the meadows disappear in a blanket of mist and fog.

• Wetlands Moonlight Stroll
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 28mm Focal length:
• f/3.5 Aperture:
• 30 Sec Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Monday morning saw me having a rare day's holiday from Work. I had a few chores to attend too around the house and in the evening I had to put a couple of pieces of my artwork up for exhibition at Evesham Arts Centre which is now on until January. (go check it out) So with this in mind I was up around 05:45 and wanting to get out in to the cold frosty morning and photograph Cropthorne Mill, in Fladbury before the chores started.

A quick dash out in the car and as I left Pershore it was soon apparent the choice to go out was going to be a good one, A thick blanket of mist and fog was rolling in off the river covering the bridges both old and new. If this was anything to go by Fladbury should be splendid I thought, and it did not disappoint. Here is the result of of watching sunrise over the River Avon and meadows beyond to my right, the morning light spilled over the waters surface and gleamed against the warm coloured brickwork of the Mill -- Magical!

• Monday Morning Blues
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 53mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 90 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

The Swan Photobomb! I'm sure it's the same Swan, no matter where I go if I try to photograph a river, or a body of inland water this swan, this particular swan! always upstages me! I shall name him Burt!
Early morning sunrise at Eckington Nr. Pershore.

• Swan Photobomb
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Tokina 11-20mm UWA Lens used:
• 17mm Focal length:
• f/4.0 Aperture:
• 1/10 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Facing North from Britishcamp into the bright lights of Malvern, Worcester and Birmingham beyond. Despite the obvious light pollution, its possible to get a reasonable view of the night sky from on top of the hills.

• MIDNIGHT
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Tokina 11-20mm UWA Lens used:
• 15mm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 15 Sec Exposure time:
• 3200 ISO:

I have often wondered if my local woodland would be suitable for some night photography, tonight I found out.
Putting all my irrational fear to one side, I walked deep into the woods and held my ground as the light of the day ebbed away and the darkness of the night crept in. The creaking of branches and snapping of twigs underfoot, the sniffling and snorting of badgers, the shrieks of owls and foxes slowly raised in volume from all around, but my gaze and concentration were transfixed at the appearance of the universe above, I found perspective!

• Interstellar Woodland
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 24mm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 10 Sec Exposure time:
• 3200 ISO:

The Boer War Memorial Worcester Cathedral

Memorial to men who died fighting in South Africa (1899-1902) in the grounds of Worcester Cathedral, Worcester, UK.

Inspired by the recent images/light trails by Worcester photographer Mark Garness, I thought I'd pop into Worcester city last night and take a walk around, hoping for wet streets and puddles to do some reflections and city lights. The drive in from home the rain was falling I was really quite excited but alas the faithful city was bone dry! ... oh well, maybe next time, however that being said, this gave me the good opportunity to photography the Boer War Memorial at Worcester Cathedral...

The Anglo Boer War was fought by Britain and her Empire against the Boers. The Boers were comprised of the combined forces of the South African Republic and the Republic of the Orange Free State. The Boer Republics declared war on 11th October 1899 and the conflict ended on 31st May 1902, a duration of 2 years and 8 months.

I have been wanting to photograph this statue for such a long time, as I personally think it really is a stunning bit of work! and always make me pause for thought, and reflect.

Open Edition Print Of "Immortality" Available to Purchase Here

• "Immortality" Worcester Boer War Memorial
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 95mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 90" Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

The only one I got! 300:1 - Perseid meteor over Broadway Tower, Worcestershire @ 0200am

The Perseid meteor shower has been seen over parts of the UK, giving stargazers the opportunity to spot scores of shooting stars in the sky. The shower was due to peak in the UK on Saturday night, in a display also visible in other parts of the world. Stargazers took to social media to say they had seen the display, in which 100 meteors had been expected an hour. The Perseid meteor shower occurs every July and August as the Earth passes debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet.
Update: Since posting this image, it has been picked up by CNET and can be seen here https://www.cnet.com/pictures/... I'm very chuffed!

• Perseid Meteor Over Broadway Tower
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 28mm Focal length:
• f/3.5 Aperture:
• 10" Sec Exposure time:
• 3200 ISO:

Snap decision last night to go and visit Broadway Tower, Worcestershire in the hopes of either capturing a Sunset and if clear skies prevailed a spot of Astrophotography. No chance of an Astro, the skies thickened with cloud and became very overcast, a fellow photographer and his son were also waiting as the sun set, but decided to leave when at first nothing happened. Experience has taught me otherwise and so I waited a little....

• Broadway Tower
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 80mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/60 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Frustrating, just as the Milky Way was due to make its grand entrance, the southern horizon clouded over, with a thick blanket of cloud which was not forecast on 3 independent forecast services I use. Thus the murk forced me to spin 180 to face the north, captured the last bit of starlight, the ISS and the bright lights of Worcester off to the North. Win Some Lose Some!

• Hunting the Milky Way
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 24mm Focal length:
• f/2.8 Aperture:
• 60 Sec Exposure time:
• 1600 ISO:

Pershore Wetlands & Nature Reserve

• The Morning Tree
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 105mm Focal length:
• f/10 Aperture:
• 1/100 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Morning Sunlight catches on one of the dead tress that can be found on the Croome Park Estate. Today's Mini Adventure with Mark was to Croome Court for a sunrise shoot. Despite being virtually cloudless and a ground frost it wasn't as cold as we had expected, still, as the sun rose from the horizon its radiant warmth was very much appreciated.

• Fire Tree of Croome Court
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Canon 70-200mm F4 IS Lens used:
• 70mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/30 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Located at the very edge of the original boundary of Croome Park is The Panorama Tower which was built for George Coventry, 6th Earl of Coventry.  This domed and circular temple-style folly was designed by James Wyatt in 1801 as an eye-catcher that would enhance the landscape by attracting a person’s gaze. It is located at the top of Knight’s Hill and has been fully restored by the National Trust. It is one of nearly a dozen Follies that were once part of the first landscape designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

The Panorama Tower was constructed by James Wyatt based on ideas by Robert Adam. The building was not finished until around 1812 – at least three years after the death of the 6th Earl. By the time it was taken over by the National Trust in in 2009 it had experienced considerable deterioration. In 2010 it was extensively restored by the organisation and is now once again an exceptional part of England’s national heritage

It is a circular two level building with a central interior staircase that goes up to a viewing platform under the domed roof. There are exceptional views across Worcestershire to the Malvern Hills. It can be seen from the M5 motorway which separates the folly from the main lands of the estate. It is a Grade I listed building.

• Panroama Tower - Sunest at Croome Court
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Canon 70-200mm F4 IS Lens used:
• 70mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 1/8 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Diglis Bridge - Over the river Severn in Worcester. The Towers stand 26 metres (85ft) above the riverbank with an incline of 17.6°
This was a very quick recce of the location recorded point and shoot style, would have liked to have had more time to explore further.

Update: 4th August 2017 - I was fortunate enough to have this image recently featured in Worcester Evening News

• Stargate Worcester
• Canon 7d Mark2 Camera used:
• Tokina 11-20mm UWA Lens used:
• 13mm Focal length:
• f/11 Aperture:
• 120 Sec Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

Other Images from this adventure