Belgian photographer Frédéric Demeuse has dedicated his career to documenting the vanishing beauty of ancient forests through his ongoing photographic series titled "Forgotten Places." Growing up near Brussels, Demeuse developed his deep connection to nature in the nearby Sonian Forest, an ancient woodland that spans almost 11,000 acres and features some of the world's most impressive beech groves. This familiar yet perpetually captivating landscape served as the foundation for his naturalist observations, where he first spotted squirrels, amphibians, and birds that sparked his childhood fascination with the natural world.
The Sonian Forest, located just outside Belgium's capital, represents the kind of increasingly rare and remote natural environment that Demeuse seeks to preserve through his photography. His dreamy photographs serve a dual purpose: creating a visual record of forests and landscapes that require careful preservation while highlighting their importance not only for the flora and fauna that inhabit them, but also for human health and mental wellness. According to University of Derby professor Miles Richardson, humanity faces what he calls an "extinction of experience," as our connection to nature has diminished by a staggering 60 percent over the past 200 years.
Demeuse's artistic approach focuses on what he describes as "essential and deceptively simple views of trees and plants." This methodology serves as a means to inspire respect for the extraordinary complexity of the living world and reminds viewers to remain humble in the face of nature's grandeur. For the photographer, exploring beautiful environments and spending time in green spaces helps him feel connected to the land he traverses and encourages him to be more intentional about his relationships and daily life.
While Demeuse finds joy in returning to familiar locations to observe their organic transformations through seasonal cycles, his work has also taken him to landscapes in other parts of the world. He believes that immersing oneself among old-growth trees that have witnessed centuries of change yet seem to exist in a state of timelessness offers an unparalleled connection to wilderness. "There is nothing that reconnects you more to wilderness than contact with a real forest," he explains, emphasizing the profound impact of these ancient environments.
Regardless of location, Demeuse's goal remains consistent: to connect with what he calls "the primordial sense of wonder at nature." His philosophy reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world's constant invitation to engage and explore. "The outside world is constantly calling us—you'd have to be crazy to miss that!" he says, encouraging others to answer nature's call and experience the transformative power of these forgotten places before they disappear forever.
