In Search of the Perfect Climbing Tree

Location: Maulden Woods


A few weeks ago we met up with Kidly to go on a mini adventure, in search of the perfect climbing tree. Armed with x3 cameras, x5 kids and x1 Dino Bus we set off into the forest.


Photographers:

Mia Parker Tang: @_harmonette

Becky Christensen: @wishesandwellies

Kidly: @wearekidly

Into the wild // Becky Christensen

Into the wild // Becky Christensen

 
We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.
— time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
 
Discussing the route // Becky Christensen

Discussing the route // Becky Christensen

We know the way // Becky Christensen

We know the way // Becky Christensen

The Unicorn forest dance // Becky Christensen

The Unicorn forest dance // Becky Christensen

It’s around here somewhere // Becky Christensen

It’s around here somewhere // Becky Christensen

Panda nap // Becky Christensen

Panda nap // Becky Christensen

I grew up in these woods so photographing all the kids playing there felt very nostalgic! I think it was a good location, we always thought the colours were beautiful and the rows of trees make for an interesting setting.

The big tree we found, with the rope swing, almost grew in the shape of steps and seats, that are perfect for climbing and sitting in. Like it was designed to be played in, and the rope swing tied to the top means a lot of other kids seems to agree!
— Mia Parker Tang // Expedition Leader
We found it! // Becky Christensen

We found it! // Becky Christensen

Natural habitat // Becky Christensen

Natural habitat // Becky Christensen

What a climb! // Becky Christensen

What a climb! // Becky Christensen

The cameras I used were a Bronica ETRS 645 and a Minolta 35mm! Medium format is definitely my favourite, I think the colours come out so true to life and the detail it can capture is beautiful, more than that though I think using film feels really special, it makes you think about each shot a lot more as you can’t really keep trying because it would use a lot of film, I always think the extra consideration really shows in the final images.
— Mia Parker Tang // Expedition Leader
This way! // Mia Parker Tang

This way! // Mia Parker Tang

The rope swing // Mia Parker Tang

The rope swing // Mia Parker Tang

A comfortable seat // Mia Parker Tang

A comfortable seat // Mia Parker Tang

Base camp // Mia Parker Tang

Base camp // Mia Parker Tang

Peter Rabbit // Mia Parker Tang

Peter Rabbit // Mia Parker Tang

The highest climber // Mia Parker Tang

The highest climber // Mia Parker Tang

Loved this shoot. Everyone needs to get lost in the woods sometimes. ‘Shirin Yoko’ is prescribed by the Japanese to improve health and happiness, which literally translates as ‘Forest bathing’. It’s good for the soul.
— Will Chapman // Dinoski King of the Wild
The climbing team // Becky Christensen

The climbing team // Becky Christensen

The way home // Becky Christensen

The way home // Becky Christensen

What could go wrong // Becky Christensen

What could go wrong // Becky Christensen

Disclosing the secret location of the perfect climbing tree // Becky Christensen

Disclosing the secret location of the perfect climbing tree // Becky Christensen

SustainabilityWill Chapman