Capturing the northern Pennines on camera

A family of red squirrels in Smardale — A family of red squirrels, Smardale. Image: John Birch

Photographs by John Birch

In our latest Gallery, discover incredible photography of landscapes and wildlife from the northern Pennines by John Birch

Wildlife photographer and former police detective John Birch explores the landscapes and wildlife of the northern Pennines in Our Wild Pennines: Conservation Stories from the English Uplands. Through six conservation stories, the book examines the relationship between wildlife, land management and rural communities, from the historic persecution of polecats to the pressures facing grouse, curlews, raptors and red squirrels.

Black grouse displaying in the North Pennines — Black grouse, North Pennines. Image: John Birch

Short-eared owl at Langdon Common — Short-eared owl, Langdon Common. Image: John Birch

Summerhill Force waterfall in Teesdale — Summerhill Force, Teesdale. Image: John Birch

Combining personal accounts, field observations and more than 150 photographs, Birch offers a thoughtful perspective on the challenges facing the English uplands. These images capture some of their inhabitants, alongside the wooded waterfalls of Teesdale.