British wildlife centre in surrey

Joel.W · #1 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 07:19 PM

has anyone ever been on any of their photographic days, not the workshop or course type thing, just the ones where they are closed to the public. I think it would be a really good opportunity to practice my skills with photographing british wildlife before going out to do it in the wild. It says limited numbers of photographers, just how many photographers do they let in? any hints or tips to make the best of the day? thanks - Joel

matt_xyz · #2 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 08:18 PM

there was a review of one of these days in last week's Amateur Photography magazine by WAB member Brian Phipps. It seems you're sure to get some nice shots, but the fact the animals are captive takes the edge off it for me. As you say though, it would be a good place to practice.

I don't know much about the centre - does anyone know if these are injured/rescued animals? Or is it more of a zoo where the animals are there (and bred) primarily for our entertainment?

Matt

eeyore · #3 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

there was a review of one of these days in last week's Amateur Photography magazine by WAB member Brian Phipps. It seems you're sure to get some nice shots, but the fact the animals are captive takes the edge off it for me. As you say though, it would be a good place to practice.

I don't know much about the centre - does anyone know if these are injured/rescued animals? Or is it more of a zoo where the animals are there (and bred) primarily for our entertainment?

Matt

Ive been there quite a bit - i'll put a few pics up in a mo, its certainly a good way to get decent photos and at 40 notes for into the enclosure access you cant really go wrong

i believe the animals are captive bred - but its a bit harsh to say that they are there soley for entertainment - they are in decent size enclosures aand seem to be "happy" with their quasi wild life style and they are the principal service is one of education - how else is some inner city child going to see a scottish wild cat , an otter, a red squirel , a black rat , a polecat etc etc

eeyore · #4 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 09:31 PM

2 images taken there - I have about 500 in total

and 1 showing the kind of access and proximity that you get

Paul mabbott · #5 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 10:16 PM

So, it's a zoo? Not 'wildlife' at all?

eeyore · #6 (**permalink**) 15-06-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

So, it's a zoo? Not 'wildlife' at all?

well its a centre which shows people animals which are native british fauna - and they are semi wild they live in the enclosures in wild conditions in their natural environment- its not like a zoo where they are kept in hutches and only let out to be viewed - for example the foxes have an earth in which they live in a family group as they would in the wild (though without the sarcoptic mange and distemper epidemics)

the deer are in a deer park type set up, the otters live arround 2 biggish lakes etc - everyone can make their own mind up re the ethics but as far as photography goes it is pretty much unrivalled in this country for taking shots of british native fauna in wild looking conditions

Joel.W · #7 (**permalink**) 16-06-2007, 11:42 AM

excellent it seems really worth while so i have booked it, Those photos are great eeyore. hopefully i will get some good shots that i simply wouldnt be able to get out in the countryside myself.

Joel.W · #8 (**permalink**) 17-06-2007, 05:44 PM

ok, so as it is quite a distance from me, it seems likely that i will be staying in the are for a couple of days, so are there any places near by that are good for seeing and photographing wildlife? im particularly interested in reptiles, but anywhere which is rich in wildlife would be good. regards - Joel

Kev Lewis · #9 (**permalink**) 17-06-2007, 08:19 PM

I'd agree with eeyore, the centre is ideal for practising your wildlife photography. We (ephotozone members) always have a get together there between Christmas and the new year mainly to catch up with the gossip but some serious photography also goes on lol.

I spent the day there a couple of years ago on a snowy day in november as a prebooked photographic session and couldn't fault it. Where else can you lie down taking photographs of otters swimming and then the next minute feel them wandering across the back of your legs lol

eeyore · #10 (**permalink**) 17-06-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev Lewis

Where else can you lie down taking photographs of otters swimming and then the next minute feel them wandering across the back of your legs lol

....or get a red squirel on your shoulder ? (when I was in MK I took our photographic volunteers there as a social which was uniformmly enjoyed by all )