Donna Nook access !

[BarryJ]

Hi all
I'm thinking of visiting Doona Nook to photograph the Seals in the next couple of weeks but the info as to what day is best to visit seems a bit confusing.
Some say week day as its less busy
some say weekend as the RAF practice bombing mid week
and as it would be a 3.5 hr trip would anyone have any up to date advice on timing.
Cheers
Barry

[Lance Morgan]

Info here:
Donna Nook

[Ollie]

Week days are by far the best in my opinion. Things get very busy and crowded on weekends.

Although the RAF do practice bombing runs during the week you don't need to actually go onto the bombing area as the seals are right up by the fencing near the car parks providing excellent photo opportunities without you venturing onto the bombing area.
Roger

[RoseStones]

Hi there, I went on a weekend and a weekday last year and it's good either way to be honest - it's quite a drive from most places (Grimsby excepted) so it never gets incredibly busy. The car parking space can be limited though at the weekend and be prepared for it to be a bit stop and start getting up the single track road to the beach.

Could I make a plea for people to stay behind the fence and not go out onto the beach where I know some photographers do go. None of the wardens that I spoke to liked it, even though they were powerless to stop it from happening. It would only take a few idiots (not that I'm suggesting that you or anyone else is!) to seriously disturb the breeding behaviour of these beautiful creatures and there's lots and lots to see from the fence line.

Have fun and please PM me if you'd like further details

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by RoseStones

Could I make a plea for people to stay behind the fence and not go out onto the beach where I know some photographers do go. None of the wardens that I spoke to liked it, even though they were powerless to stop it from happening. It would only take a few idiots (not that I'm suggesting that you or anyone else is!) to seriously disturb the breeding behaviour of these beautiful creatures and there's lots and lots to see from the fence line.

I quite agree. I have been visiting Donna Nook for many years and have never seen the need to go beyond the fence. It's very easy to get good close up photographs even with the fence there.

Going on to the beach is not necessary There is always a danger of being attacked by a protective cow or a territorial bull for that matter. Also if it happens to be windy there is a fair chance of getting sand grains in the camera mechanism, apart from the disturbance of the animals
Roger

[RoseStones]

Thanks for seconding that, I hadn't thought about the potential for damage to equipment but that could certainly be one expensive trip! It does get everywhere

[andyrouse]

Hi, if it were me and you want to stay behind the fence then choose a weekday as the seals are more relaxed without the crowds. I always walk out to the sandbank so can only go at weekends when the RAF aren't doing their stuff. If you choose to do this then please check the tides and also keep your distance from the seals as they bite and it hurts....a lot. Also be aware that conditions out on the sandbank can be brutal so dress accordingly.

[BarryJ]

Thanks everyone for your input.
While I have on some occasions seen photographers show little regard for both their subject and their peers I have found this a minority who don't have the patience and respect necessary for wildlife photography.I always strive to put the animals wellbeing first after all its only a photograph and I wouldn't want to spoil the memory by knowing I have caused stress to my subject.
Thanks again for you advice.
Barry

P.s don't you just love the world wide web how else could you converse with
those you admire and respect !

[pressld2]

A warm welcome to WAB BarryJ!

I'm one who suggested that weekdays were out because of bombing, which I got from a booklet on "Where to Photograph Wildlife in Britain". I'm glad to hear that's not right as I'm planning a trip myself between now and Christmas and would prefer a weekday.

There have been a few good shots posted in the Gallery recently which have just whet my appetite even more...

Dave P.

P.s. glad to see you're still here Andy, and hope you continue to stick around and post whenever time permits...

[Tormentil]

Been today with Roger (Ollie). I think everyone must have seen that today would be the best day of the week, 'cause there was quite a crowd there.

Just thawing out now and having a quick first edit of all me pics.