Location ideas for photography this Autumn

[Richard Costin]

Hey everyone.

I was just hoping if some of you could point me in the direction of some good wildlife photography spots to visit this Autumn?

I'm open to all animals, but in general like mammals.

Ideally I'm after locations in the South East, but I'm ok travelling afar if the location sounds good!

Many thanks, Richard

[Ann2]

Hello Richard and welcome to WAB.

There are so many places, I hardly know where to start. The British Wildlife Centre, Surrey or the Wildwood Trust, Kent offer opportunities of getting close to captive british mammals.

Richmond Park and Woburn Abbey grounds are great places to photograph red and fallow deer. (Ashridge, Herts is also good for fallow deer but you may not be able to get quite as close here.)

Brownsea Island for red squirrels (but better in my opinion is Formby near Liverpool where you also have the possibility of seeing a fox, up close in daylight).

Blakeney Point or Donna Nook for seals.

Is that enough for starters?

Ann

[Paul mabbott]

Nature on the Map :: Home may help
You can also look at WAB's wild-places section: http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...ld-places.html

Don't forget to share any good finds with everyone else!

[Blackbrook Eye]

Originally Posted by Richard Costin

Hey everyone.

I was just hoping if some of you could point me in the direction of some good wildlife photography spots to visit this Autumn?

I'm open to all animals, but in general like mammals.

Ideally I'm after locations in the South East, but I'm ok travelling afar if the location sounds good!

Many thanks, Richard

You may be familiar with Kingley Vale yew wood on the South Downs Way near Chichester, if not I can highly recommend it as a location for wild Roe deer, I have often been within thirty or so yards of small groups along the rides in this wood, and there is an abundence of other mamals to be seen. Due to the sparsity of undergrowth beneath the yew trees it is excellent for uncluttered photographs and there are several car parks within easy walking distance. I need hardly mention to be a little careful as rutting time approaches, as all deer can be unpredictable at this time.

[Gaina]

Westonbirt Arboretum is gorgeous. The Forestry Comission website has a page dedicated to finding the best Autumn colour, so it might be worth bookmarking

[beckiscott]

Originally Posted by Ann2

Hello Richard and welcome to WAB.
Brownsea Island for red squirrels (but better in my opinion is Formby near Liverpool where you also have the possibility of seeing a fox, up close in daylight).
Ann

I was at formby this Sunday and the squirrels are busy burying nuts, with their tufty little ears getting more tufty by the day... and the fox was playing out for ages! It was nice to have time to sit and watch him as well as shoot lots of photees. The light is not ideal, a fast lens and high iso are needed to catch the quick moving little critters. I intend to go back again on a work day when there wont be a load of kids and their noisy unruly parents shouting and scaring the little squirrels.

[tee]

Cant recomend the british wild life centre enough - was there last week for a photographic day with a mate was awsome got some truly amazing photos, really boosted my confidence as in my opinion some of em look gooed enough for magazines! I have to admit it was just amazing to sit with the foxes, a wonderfull experience!

[Richard Costin]

Wow, what a welcome! Thanks for the replies people! Lots to keep me busy.

I am wanting to start photographing wild animals and am trying to ease myself into it!

I was planning a trip to Brownsea Island before it closes end of next month, but would take the trip to Liverpool if it is a lot better? I love squirrels! I am in Kent, so Poole is an easier option travel wise. Has anyone been to both?

I tried the BWC a while back as a "regular" visitor and wasn't too impressed, (from a photography standpoint); but if you can get inside the cages, then sounds very interesting! Will defiantly look into that!

A few I can offer, is the Wetland centre here in London, some very good opportunities there! knole park is great for very very tame deer, and I think, (not 100%) you can access it 24 hours/day (on foot); for the best light. Some literally come up to you for a stroke!

For (captive) birds of Prey, Eagle Heights in Kent is one of the best, especially for flight photos; they will also have a cheetah running display soon(ish), out of the cage I believe!

I love Autumn, and I have really kicked my wildlife interest into a higher gear this year and have a few new toys on the way to play with too! Maybe hoping to go pro one day. Maybe.

Again, thanks all. I'll look into all your suggestions properly after work this evening, and let you know how I get on!

Rich

[Ann2]

I have been to both Brownsea and Formby. I walked the whole island and only saw two squirrels at Brownsea - my best photo was nothing to write home about! I found the squirrels at Formby much less timid (even taking hazel nuts from my hand) and there were far better photo opportunities. This is only my personal experience though and visiting at different times of the year may give different results.

Ann

[Richard Costin]

May have to make the extra drive to Formby then. Adds about 2 hours to the journey, but can stay the night up there!

Many thanks Ann2

Originally Posted by Ann2

I have been to both Brownsea and Formby. I walked the whole island and only saw two squirrels at Brownsea - my best photo was nothing to write home about! I found the squirrels at Formby much less timid (even taking hazel nuts from my hand) and there were far better photo opportunities. This is only my personal experience though and visiting at different times of the year may give different results.

Ann