Wistman's Wood, Dartmoor
Wistman's Wood is one of the most extraordinary surviving fragments of upland oak woodland in Britain. Hidden among the granite slopes of Dartmoor, its small, weather-shaped trees rise between moss-covered boulders in a landscape that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The wood's remoteness, rough ground and dense covering of stone have helped protect it from the clearance and grazing pressures that transformed so much of the surrounding countryside.
The oaks here do not resemble the broad parkland trees found on great estates. Exposed to wind, rain and the harsh conditions of the moor, they grow low and contorted, their branches carrying communities of mosses and lichens. Granite blocks lie beneath them like the remains of an older world. Together, rock, tree and vegetation create a rare woodland environment whose value lies not only in its appearance but also in the many organisms that depend upon its cool, humid conditions.
Wistman's Wood has inspired generations of visitors, writers and artists. Its name and origins have attracted folklore, but much of its power comes from what can be seen directly: ancient-looking oaks, deep green moss and a landscape in which the passage of time feels unusually present. Charles Sainsbury-Plaice's photograph captures that atmosphere without turning it into fantasy. Light moves through the branches and across the boulders, revealing the intricate textures that make the wood so distinctive.
For Charles, Britain's trees are inseparable from the landscapes and stories around them. Having spent 25 years working for HM The King, and many more documenting farming, nature and rural life, he photographs woodland as a living part of the country's heritage rather than as decoration alone.
Limited Edition Fine Art Print
The photograph is produced as an archival Giclée print on Photo Rag paper. Framed editions use a wooden Black & Gold Luxe Monti Italian frame, a triple mount and Art Glass that reduces reflections while helping protect the artwork from ultraviolet light.
- 530 × 430 mm mounted and framed; frame size 790 × 690 mm. Edition of 125 plus 12 artist's proofs. £450 plus delivery. Print-only option £300 plus postage and packing.
- 780 × 580 mm mounted and framed; frame size 1080 × 850 mm. Edition of 125 plus 12 artist's proofs. £650 plus delivery.
For customers in the United States, prints are produced and framed by specialist partners in the USA, so framing and mounting may differ. Alternative sizes and display options can be quoted. Overseas delivery charges for framed prints vary because specialist packing and shipping are required.
Explore More
Explore our collection of tree prints and woodland photography, discover tree and woodland greeting cards, or see the full Charles Sainsbury-Plaice collection. More stories of Britain's ancient trees and woods can be found in The Queen's Green Canopy.
