Locations & Species:
Red Squirrels:
The "Red Squirrels" must be the most commonly known protected specie in the UK and yet we only have just a few remaining locations in existence. In fact throughout the past year it has become more concerning as another sanctuary, Formby, on the Sefton coastline gets hit with a life threatening decease, If this cannot be stopped it could be the end of what was once the largest "red squirrel reserve" left in the UK.
The Sefton Coast:
On hearing the phrase "The Sefton Coastline" a great number of people immediately think of the "Formby Red Squirrel Reserve" or Southport, well believe it or not there is a great deal more to consider visiting than just these two locations. To give you an example in Formby alone there are at least 6 formally recognised nature reserves and just next door to these is Southport, which also has an additional 5 reserves. Given these figures you are guaranteed to find something you like and in turn gaining at least one superb photograph, which will make your day out well worth it. That is assuming you take all the necessary gear with, by this I mean from macro to your longest telephoto as well as a flashgun.
The Inland Waterways:
This is one location, which is very often passed by or not even considered by photographers, exactly why I don’t know. There are hundreds of miles of narrow waterways in the UK, full of many fantastic subjects and features, more than suitable for photographing. The subjects which you may find on or around the canals are quite extensive and range from wildlife, flora & fauna, scapes, architecture, to record. All that you have to do to find something special, is principally your homework!! This includes making your own observations, talking to the locals, checking the weather and the directions of the light, sun-up and sunset etc.
A Day at a Safari Park:
Many photographers, amateur and professional, will from time to time go and visit one of the more well organised and well stocked UK Safari Parks. Apart from the obvious large mammals which can be found in the majority of the parks there is usually a great number of nooks and crannies where the management have located a great variety of smaller animals. For example the smaller specie sections may include such species as: Otters, Meerkats, Shetland Ponies, Rabbits, Birds, (although not so small) Highland Cattle, American Cattle, and many more. These parks can be an ideal location to get some fantastic shots, and support some preservation and conservation policy’s at the same time.
Falkland Islands:
The Falkland Islands is a very special place to me and holds a selection of very special memories, some good and some not so good. The islands are made up of in excess of 300 separate islands, some of which are occupied as human dwellings and some are not. The one thing which is common to all the islands is the vast variety and numbers of wildlife and of course some absolutely awesome land and seascapes. The people on the islands all welcome tourists/photographers with open arms, and of tourism plays such a large part in the local economy. Here are just a few of the tourist attractions: Wildlife photography, fishing, military history, walking, geology, writing and meditation.
Walney Island:
Walney Island is situated in south Cumbria, west of "Barrow-In-Furness" and offers a phenomenal amount of subjects to study and photograph. This location is mosr certainly worth considering for a day out. Should you wish to stay overnight there are plenty of B&B’s in the area, or you may be fortunate enough to be able to be accommodated in one of the recently re-fitted coastguard cottages. There are two nature reserves on Walney, one at the southern end and one at the northern end of island next to the aerodrome. The species commonly recorded on the reserves total 15 butterflies and moths, 25 flowering plants, and a fantastic 87 different species of birds through the year. Surely with a location like this you can’t fail, can you!!!
Anderton & Marbury Cheshire:
This is a location I came across due to being an avid narrow-boater who absolutely loves cruising the inland waterways of Great Britain. Anderton is more commonly recognised for the famous "Anderton Lift Bridge" which links both the "Trent & Mersey canal" and the "River Weaver", 100ft apart. The lift has two buckets which can hold up to two 65ft narrow boats per lift, two up and two down, and was originally built for the commercial purpose of transporting salt, coal, cotton, chemicals and many more. Now of course it is purely used for leisure purposes only. In additional to the world famous lift, the area hosts numerous superb nature reserves, to of which are Anderton and Marbury. One interesting point to make is that many of the reserves have been created by reclaiming previously contaminated dumping grounds which where cause by the heavy industries in the area, especially the chemical industry’s.
The Farne Islands:
The "Farne Islands", more commonly known as the "Farnes" is another of the UKs wildlife hotspots which is very often part of a nature photographers annual pilgrimage. The Farne Islands consists of more than twenty islands, however generally speaking people only allowed to land on two, or if your lucky three. These are "Staple Island" and "Inner Farne", or if your luck is in "Longstone Island" is the third. "Longstone" island is more famous for the story of Grace Darling and her father rescuing nine survivors from the paddle steamer "Forfarshire" which ran aground on the island "Big Harcar" on the 7th September 1838. Anyway back to Staple and Inner Farne islands, these two islands are without question listed amongst the most important bird sanctuaries of the UK and host over twenty different bird species at the height of the breeding season and of course an additional bonus points to the area are that of ""Grey Seals".
The Saltee Islands:
The "Saltee Island" are not a commonly known location for natural history and wildlife photographers, including myself. This changed a short while ago when I visited the island with Guy Edwards and a small party, what an experience it was.
The "Saltee Island" are located approximately thirty minutes cruising time off the south east coast of the Republic of Ireland and as with the Farnes there are numerous boatmen willing to offer their services to you and if you get the right crew they will certainly make a difference to your photography. What is on the island I here you ask, well the answer is, not a lot, except this beautifully isolated colony along with a selection of birds including: Gannets, Lesser and Greater Black Backed Gulls, Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Fulmars and possibly Chough and Peregrine Falcons. This is one exciting location, however be warned, for the walk over the island you need to be reasonably fit as this not a location for the faint hearted!!
The Cairngorms, Scotland:
In my opinion and for what it is worth, the Cairngorms is the most beautiful national park in Scotland and the hospitality of the people is most certainly second to non. Unless you are very knowledgeable about the area and what to find, when, or someone who is involved in one of the many photographic holidays in the Cairngorms it is always advisable to consider hiring a personal guide to help locate the shots you so specifically want and desire. There are quite a few ver reputable people available who actually live in or around the park. One big advantage of considering this option is they will normally have permanently baited sites which will save you a great deal of time and money. An area which must be on your "to do" list.
Highlands Wildlife Park:
The "Highlands Wildlife Park" is located just 7 miles south of Aviemore and is if your in the area is most certainly worth a visit. The park is located in and amongst, in my opinion, Scotland’s most beautiful national park. The park consists of many different species and specialises in natural Scottish animals, both past and possibly future. By future I mean animals which may be re-introduced into the wild sometime in the not too distant future. If you are a non-driver, do not be put off or rule out a visit as you can always ring before you arive and arrange for a ranger to be your own personal guide. You will be collected at the main entrance gate by a ranger who will take you in his land-rover, both on and off road and all at not additional cost. However it is always nice to make a donation. More about this later.
Donna Nook:
Over the past few years, the location and name of "Donna Nook" has become more and more popular amongst the world of natural history lovers and photographers as one of, if the very best location in the UK to work close up and personal with "Grey Seals", possibly the sea mammal with the most beautiful face!!
Given the correct time of year, weather and some excellent hints and tips from someone who knows, it is quite easy to get within a few feet of the seal and there is only one condition, no not to pay an exorbitant fee, but to say please and thank-you. This is one expedition you can make without worrying about having to have a long lens. The most piece of kit you need is wellington boots!!