12 Months of Wildlife and Landscape Photography with Mark Davison - Behind the Lens
Each month, we’ve taken you behind the lens with Mark Davison, sharing one of his favourite photographs and the stories behind them. From dramatic British landscapes to quiet moments with wildlife, Mark’s photography inspires his designs for our British Wildlife Homeware Collections but also reflects the changing beauty of nature through the seasons.
We began this series in May 2024, as the countryside burst back into life after a long winter. From that first waterfall walk in spring to Highland sunsets, autumn colours, and winter wildlife, this year-long journey has followed nature’s rhythm—through sunshine and storms, early mornings and late evenings, and the quiet patience that comes with waiting for the right moment.
"You don’t always need the latest gear or perfect weather—just a bit of stubbornness, the risk of wet socks, and the willingness to stay out that little bit longer to find the moment worth waiting for —whether that’s a break in the clouds or a curious glance from a wild animal. That’s when nature rewards you." Mark Davison
📷 May 2024: Scaleber Force, Yorkshire Dales
We began in May with the stunning Scaleber Force, a 40ft waterfall just outside our hometown of Settle. Mark used a slow shutter speed to capture the silky motion of the water cascading over the limestone rocks, creating a mesmerising effect.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Exclude the sky in your frame to enhance the colours and the textures within the landscape.
View the print of Scalebar Force here →
📷 June 2024: Majestic Stag, Scottish Highlands
In June, we showcased one of Mark’s first stag portraits, captured near Loch Ness on a rainy day. The monochrome image highlights the proud stance of the stag against a dramatic Highland backdrop.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Don’t shy away from bad weather—some of the most atmospheric shots happen when conditions are at their worst!
View the print of Highland Stag in Black and White here →
📷 July 2024: Summer Sunset at Bamburgh
July brought us golden hour magic at Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland. With dramatic cloud formations after a rainy day and the iconic castle in the background, Mark captured this shot just before the sun disappeared. If you look closely, you might even spot Kara enjoying the evening stroll!
💡 Mark’s Tip: Great sunsets often follow a day of rain. Plan ahead, keep an eye on the weather, and be patient!
📷 August 2024: The Strid, Bolton Abbey
To mark Yorkshire Day and our Ilkley store’s first anniversary, we shared this dynamic photo of The Strid on the River Wharfe. This dramatic stretch of river is famous for its narrow, powerful flow and the ancient oak woods that surround it.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Use a slow shutter speed in dim light to create movement and drama in water photography.
View the Black and White Print of The Strid here →
📷 September 2024: Little Owl Peeking, West Yorkshire
A cheeky Little Owl stole the show in September, peeking from a sheep shelter on Addingham Moorside near Ilkley. Captured in the soft early morning light, this playful moment has become a firm favourite.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Know your subject’s habits. Patience and understanding their routines will lead to more rewarding wildlife shots.
Little Owl Peeking Owl Available as a Greeting Card →
📷 October 2024: Wild About Each Other – Highland Coos
This time, we highlighted the bond between two Highland cows with a black and white photograph taken near Malham Moor. Their iconic shaggy coats and hardy nature make them enduring favourites in Mark’s wildlife photography.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Capture the eyes—this small detail adds personality and connection to your animal photography.
View Wild About Each Other - Highland Coos - Print →
📷 November 2024: Pheasant, North Yorkshire
In November, we featured this vibrant portrait of a pheasant, captured near Skipton. Mark used his car as a mobile hide, draping a blanket over the passenger-side window to conceal his silhouette and blend into the surroundings. This approach helped avoid startling the wildlife, resulting in a beautifully detailed shot of the pheasant against an autumnal backdrop.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Your car makes a great mobile hide—stay unnoticed and let wildlife come to you.
Pheasant Available as a Greetings Card - Different Colour Designs →
📷 December 2024: Peekaboo Stag, Glen Morriston
A festive favourite! This curious Highland stag popped out from behind a rock near Fort Augustus, just as Mark was trekking the hills. Sometimes, it’s the playful and unexpected moments that make the most memorable photos.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Don’t just look for perfect poses. Some of the best images are candid and full of personality.
Available as a Greetings Card - Peekaboo Stag →
📷 January 2025: Tawny Owl in the Snow
On a snowy January day, Mark captured this Tawny Owl peeking from behind a snow-covered birch tree in Horton-in-Craven. One of his earliest wildlife images, it’s become a customer favourite.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Always carry weather protection for your camera—simple rain covers or even a plastic bag can save your gear in a sudden downpour or snowfall.
View the Tawny Owl Looking Back Print →
📷 February 2025: Polar Bear, Svalbard Archipelago
A once-in-a-lifetime encounter, Mark photographed this majestic polar bear during a wildlife expedition to the Arctic. A powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Respect wildlife and keep your distance—some creatures are better admired from afar!
View the Polar Bear Print →
📷 March 2025: Badger, Silsden Moor
This rare glimpse of a badger on Silsden Moor was the result of careful observation and patient waiting behind a drystone wall as dusk fell.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Avoid artificial scents—wildlife has an incredible sense of smell. Keep things as natural as possible on a shoot.
View the Badger Print →
📷 April 2025: Curlew, Chelker Reservoir near Ilkley
April closed our year-long journey with a poignant image of a curlew at Chelker Reservoir. With populations under threat, this bird has become a powerful symbol for conservation in the Yorkshire Dales.
💡 Mark’s Tip: Get down to ground level for a natural, eye-level perspective when photographing birds and wildlife.
Curlew Available as a Greetings Card - Different Colour Designs →
Which Month Was Your Favourite?
As we look back over the past year, these photographs are a reminder of the simple joy found in our natural landscapes and the wildlife that shares them. From spring moorlands to winter woodlands, Britain’s countryside offers something new with every season.
"Through my photography, I hope to capture not just beautiful scenes but a reminder of how important it is to protect these landscapes and the animals that call them home. We’re fortunate to have such diverse countryside across Britain—changing with every season and home to everything from rare wildlife to the animals of the British countryside that have shared these landscapes with us for generations. But these places will only remain special if we take care of them now and for the future.” — Mark Davison
Explore Mark’s full collection and discover how his photography continues to inspire our own range of homeware and gifts. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes or the quiet beauty of British wildlife, there’s something for every nature lover.
