a sony camera framing a shot of the forest

Protecting the Temperate Rainforest

The Temperate Rainforest is a unique and incredibly rare habitat. Thought to be more threatened than tropical rainforests, its lush conditions are perfect for scarce plants, fungi, historical oaks and remarkable wildlife.

This project started as a way to give visibility to this incredible ecosystem that most don’t even know exist. The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland charity, are doing some essential work to restore these ecosystems.

Lee Cooper, as a nature photographer and visual storyteller, feels passionate about showing people the importance of this project.

“For me, photography goes beyond the image itself - it creates a relationship with a place and, hopefully, inspires others to care about it too, today and for the generations who’ll walk these paths after us. Like the Woodland Trust’s vision, this work looks beyond the immediate moment to something larger.”

Step into these ancient UK rainforests and a hidden world unfolds. Mist drifts through moss-draped oaks, streams wind between emerald ferns, and rare lichens cling to centuries-old branches. These forests, covering less than 1% of the UK are vital sanctuaries for wildlife and carbon storage. But beyond that, they’re simply remarkable places to be.

“When I walk into these woods, everything else fades. You’re standing among oaks that have been here for hundreds of years, and for a few hours, that’s all that matters. Every twisted branch and patch of moss tells a story of quiet survival.” Says Lee Cooper.

The Woodland Trust is working to protect that continuity, ensuring these forests endure. Each visit feels different, new light, different weather, something previously unnoticed.

Lee documents what makes these rainforests extraordinary. The environment presents real challenges - low light, constant moisture, and remote locations with no power. But it’s exactly when conditions are hardest that the work becomes most meaningful.

“My Sony gear lets me stay present in the moment, capturing both sweeping landscapes and tiny details without worrying about the gear.”

man holding a sony camera at arms length

Working in collaboration with the Woodland Trust adds another dimension of meaningfulness for Lee. Not just to document forests but tell the story of conservation in action: young saplings taking root; rare species returning. Each image becomes part of a larger story about the Woodland Trust’s 2050 regeneration vision becoming a reality.

sunlight peeking through trees in a forest

These forests are living laboratories, revealing the delicate balance of ecosystems. When I capture textures in ancient bark, patterns of light filtering through the canopy, or water flowing over moss-covered stones, I’m trying to help people connect emotionally with places they might never visit. In a world where images are often scrolled past in seconds, these forests ask us to slow down and truly see them.”