TREES of Exmoor and Dartmoor have been studied to produce an exhibition held at a Somerset museum this month.

The Arborealists are a group of professional artists from across the south of England, founded by Tim Craven in 2013.

For two years, the artists have been visiting ancient woodland sites in Somerset and have produced more than 50 artworks, which are on display at the Museum of Somerset.

The sites visited included Culbone and Horner Wood, Cloutsham, Wilmersham Common and Simonsbath, on Exmoor.

And, Wistmans and White Wood, Burrator Reservoir, Black-a-Tor Copse and Hawson Cross on Dartmoor.

Paul Newman, 47, who is taking part in the exhibition, said: “There are so many different trees in different locations that can be looked at in different ways – they have a different terrain, a different geology. Trees have personality and character and we respond to that.

“I’ve walked a lot on both Exmoor and Dartmoor, so I was happy to take part.

“In the same way as walking around a forest when nature slows us down, so does the exhibition. There are certain responses to certain locations.

“For example, we looked at seven sites on Exmoor and some artists have responded to the same site but these works are all very different, as people work in different ways – you will have someone working in colour, someone working with pencil and so on.

“A lot of people like the connection to nature. Trees are a good way of connecting with nature and understanding the fragility of the natural world.

“We are very grateful to the museum for having the show.”

The exhibition is set to run until October 31.

Head of Museums Sam Astill said: “During lockdown many of us found a new appreciation for nature, and our local environment took on a deeper significance.

“We are, therefore, delighted to open this brand new art exhibition that celebrates trees and woodlands and our connection to the natural world.”