Annual Showcase at Low Barns Nature Reserve
The Low Barns Photography Group prepares for its fourth annual exhibition this August. Based at the Low Barns Nature Reserve in Witton-le-Wear, the group focuses on capturing the landscape and wildlife of North East England and Cumbria. Visitors can view the display in the site's Alder Room from August 29 through September 2. Doors remain open daily between 10:00 and 16:00 BST.
Organizers promise a diverse collection of images for the upcoming show. This year features a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from local wildlife to industrial landmarks. Photographers spent the last year documenting everything from regional beauty spots to unusual community events. The exhibition serves as a record of their work over the previous twelve months.
Diverse Subjects on Display
The featured photography covers a wide array of interests. Basil Waugh contributed a shot of a fox captured within the reserve itself. Daphne Aplin brings a macro perspective, displaying an image of an Essex skipper butterfly taken at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park in Billingham. Nature remains a primary theme, yet the group includes mechanical and structural subjects as well.
Bryan Laycock submitted a high-action photograph showing a red rally car skidding on a muddy track. This image originated from the 2025 rally stages held in the Lake District at Grizedale. Elsewhere, Alan Thornton documents the local Settle Station Flower Pot Festival. These subjects demonstrate the range of interests held by the group members.
Architecture and Human Presence
Structural engineering and historical architecture feature prominently in the new collection. Geoff Dabbs captured the stone arches of Prebends Bridge in Durham, highlighting the calm reflections in the River Wear. The composition takes advantage of the autumnal mist. Another mechanical landmark, the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough, appears in a shot by Geoff Ruffell. He frames the blue metal structure from an upward angle.
Landscape photography also anchors the display. Stan Potts presents an image of Euden Beck, a natural stream situated in the heart of Hamsterley Forest in County Durham. This work highlights the quiet, wooded areas of the region. The group draws heavily from the immediate surroundings of North East England.
Global Perspectives and Future Outlook
Not every image originates from the local area. Ian Carswell took his camera further afield, providing a detailed portrait of a leopard. He captured this image during a trip to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This addition provides a global contrast to the local landscapes. It shows how the group members pursue their hobby beyond their home base.
The annual exhibition functions as a public gathering for local photography enthusiasts. It allows the community to engage with the work produced by members throughout the year. The group continues to document regional life, both human-made and natural. Attendance at the Alder Room is free of charge for all interested visitors. This event remains a staple for photography fans in the region.