"Summer is here. The sun is shining brightly over Cardigan Bay and it is a colourful sight. From the heights of Constitution Hill, through the sand and rocks of South Beach and along the busy road stretching round to the castle, there are townsfolk.

With some holding ice creams in a variety of colours, as well as wearing bright attire, yes it is a colourful sight. However, apart from the beach, another atmospheric mood awaits this summer.

From the 24th May to the 5th July 2008, Pete Davis, born in 1947 and a Senior Lecturer in photography at the University of Wales, Newport, brings his 'Wildwood' exhibit to Gallery one within the Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

His method is photographing detailed landscapes and Davis has a keen interest for this typographical feature. 'Wildwood' includes thirty two finely printed and detailed photos that exude mystical and ancient forestry with Davis commenting that 'beauty, mystery, spirituality and history are all represented here, all significant aspects of the landscape'.

As you walk into Gallery one, a receptionist is always keen to help you if you have any queries regarding this exhibit, and be sure to pick up a press release before you go wandering. The press release, Pete Davis's own words, gives an insight into how he views landscapes and the appeal they have.

Therefore, this is an essential tool in order to understand the woodland photos hanging on the walls before you. The technique used within these large scale prints is 'Crystal Archive' and these images are taken of the ancient forest, Pen Gelli, in Pembrokeshire.

Ancient forests once covered the earth and according to Green peace, 'a staggering 80 per cent have already been either destroyed or degraded and half of that has been in the last 30 years.' So, this 'Wildwood exhibit' is a taste of what would be missed if we took them for granted.

Bridget Riley once said 'For me nature is not landscape, but the dynamism of visual forces', therefore a landscape can be considered as an important way of connecting with the viscous. The way Ancient forests have transited through the ages has meant that they have become an important part of the landscape and with Pen Gelli there has been the coppicing of trees, allowing the useful harvest to stay preserved.

This exhibit also gives children the opportunity to understand and appreciate woodlands. There is a fun activity table that involves colouring in leaves, brambles, grass and oak. There is also coloured paper and many stencils and colour pencils to invoke interest.

The beach maybe the place to be this summer but instead of being clichéd, look deeper within the landscape and explore the colours of the woodlands with the first port of call being the 'Wildwood' exhibit, free of charge!"

Article by Rachel Moore