Buy the book here:- http://www.blurb.co.uk/bookstore/detail/3273798

AmeriCymru: What is Coed Uchaf?

Simon: Coed Uchaf is a special wood where 100 trees were planted in 1885 standing alone overlooking Penrtefoelas were they planted to celebrate Queen Victorias Jubilee?

AmeriCymru: How did you come to create this project and to choose that spot as its focus? Did you choose the location for this project

Simon: The project was inspired by passing spaces seen in a brief moment from a car or train window, small woods in fields or on hilltops with a mysterious identity shaped by history.

I discovered the wood driving West along the A5 which gradually climb s until reaching the brow of a hill when the dramatic profile of Snowdonia unfolds clearly etched against the sky. The mountains of Eryri, the abode of the eagles. Snowdon, Crib Goch, Lliwedd and Siabod.

No more than a mile further on, a small but distinctive wood, Coed Uchaf, appeared on the right of the road overlooking Pentrefoelas.

AmeriCymru: Can you tell us about your process in creating the book? Was every step planned in advance or did it evolve organically as your work went on or something in between?

Simon: For o ver three years I photographed and researched Coed Uchaf, known locally as Coed y Nant, learning about woods, trees (specifically the Beech)and the history of Pentrefoelas.

The Upper Conwy valley is rich in history, a key route between England and the North Wales Coast and I discovered that Coed Uchaf would have been a lookout post as the Iberians, Celts, Romans, the Medieval Welsh, Kings and Queens all passed by.

AmeriCymru: Was your own view of Coed Uchaf changed as a result of creating this book? How?

Simon: I knew nothing about the wood when I first started the project and discovered a fascinating history and these unique landscape photographs reveal connections to a fascinating distant past including the Romans, Fairies, Queen Victoria and even a Vicar's daughter.

AmeriCymru: What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What effect will it have on them?

Simon: I hope the images inspire and encourage further exploration of the fascinating history of North Wales and Pentrefoelas . I want them to share the mystery and visual power of the Copse.

AmeriCymru: How has the response been to the book so far?

Simon: The response to the book has been very positive and being available on line has enabled over 1000 people to preview, particularly the various Welsh societies Ive contacted across the world. There was also an exhibition of prints in September 2011 at Llangollen Pavilion https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1802176050 and images from the show can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.173274709420448.43953.172966859451233&type=3

AmeriCymru: In addition to photography, youre also an independent media producer - what are some of your other projects?

Simon: Im currently developing photo documentary projects as well as continuing with my landscape photography. My website gives more details http://www.memorybox.org.uk/Croeso.html

AmeriCymru: Whats next for Simon Collinge?

Simon: After teaching Animation, film and photography for over 35 years, Im thoroughly enjoying practicing what I preached and planning further exhibitions of my work.

AmeriCymru: Any final message for the members of AmeriCymru?

Simon: Landscape Photographs really need a good story?