A tree covered in a variety of mosses and epiphytes grows near a river bank in Dartmoor National Park.

Photography

Christian Cassiel: A Journey Into Britain’s Forgotten Rainforests

04.10.2024

PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORDS BY CHRISTIAN CASSIEL

Black-a-Tor Copse—a small high-altitude woodland grove—is one of Britain’s ancient and disappearing temperate rainforests. Christian Cassiel takes us out of the U.K. that many know, bringing us not just to rainforests but to visits with carnivorous plants and fantastical fungi.

Temperate rainforests in the U.K., also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforests, are both exceptional and exceedingly rare habitats that are increasingly threatened—even more so than their tropical counterparts. Rich in biodiversity and serving as essential carbon sinks, they house unique plants, lichens, fungi, and remarkable birds and mammals.

Black-a-Tor Copse in Dartmoor National Park stands as one of the last surviving groves that meet the criteria for a temperate rainforest. This high-altitude ancient woodland has remained continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD, cultivating complex and delicate ecosystems due to centuries of undisturbed growth.

On our journey to this secluded forest, low-hanging clouds accompanied us through valleys and across rivers, challenging us with wind and rain. As we approached the moor, an unexpected veil of mist descended, creating a thick, opaque wall that disoriented us for a while.

Hymenogastraceae, a family of fungi with a wide range of mushroom species.

The roots of a greater bladderwort, a carnivorous plant known to capture and digest prey using specialized underwater structures called “bladder traps.”

Navigating the moor posed its own challenges, with warnings to tread carefully due to deceptively deep bogs. Fortunately, as we ascended, the mist lifted, slowly unveiling the woodland grove in the distance, as if only to those few who are brave enough to make this journey and seek its shelter and solitude.

Stepping into the woods, the enchanting atmosphere instantly clarified why this place was steeped in myth; it was a realm distinct from the one we had left. Ferns and moss adorned the forest floor like a lush green carpet, evoking local beliefs that removing shoes is necessary to avoid disturbing the fairies residing here.

In a temperate country like Britain, thoughts of orchids, rainforests, and exotic plants typically lead the mind to distant lands. However, I’ve recently discovered that Britain hosts a multitude of diverse and unique plant species, challenging preconceived notions about one’s home environment.

Boletes (Boletaceae), a family of funghi with pores on the underside of their caps. — Boletes (Boletaceae), a family of fungi with pores on the underside of their caps.

The Orange Jelly Spot fungus (Dacrymyces palmatus) which obtains its nutrients through decaying organic matter.

Regardless of where you reside on this planet, you’ll likely be astounded by the rich biodiversity within seemingly mundane surroundings. Most importantly, everything is much closer than you think—all you need to do is look.

Shooting this story for The Overview book, I felt as though I embarked on a natural pilgrimage. While I possessed some anticipation of what awaited me, the journey left me enlightened. Certain plants were familiar from my childhood; yet, brought closer through my lens, I developed a deeper connection to them, gaining a more profound understanding of my surroundings.

I extend an invitation for others to attune themselves to the nuances of the smaller elements in life. By taking care of our local ecosystems, we have the potential to spark transformative change and inspire action on a global scale.