Description
Join Wild Arena for a full and exclusive day at a collection featuring the wildlife of theBritish Isles. At this unique location you will even be given the opportunity to enter some enclosures and photograph Red Foxes, Scottish Wildcats and Otters! Close-up encounters with Birds of Prey and smaller animals will follow. With deer in a delightful woodland setting, Red Squirrels, Water Voles, snakes and hopefully Badgers in the late afternoon so you will be treated to a full day of wonderful encounters with many of our native species.
As well as providing unparalleled photographic opportunities, the day is also a great experience for anyone who has seen our resident species from afar and would enjoy the experience of closer views.
Our flexible and comprehensive itinerary (including the use of a fully equipped indoor studio) ensures this workshop can run right through the winter months allowing great pictures whatever the weather!
● Fitness
This event is suitable for most levels of fitness although there may be some walking over short distances on good paths to get to all of the animals.
● Photography Level
This event is suitable for all levels of photographic equipment. Experience is not essential and advice and guidance will be given by the guide on the evening. Cameras with a good telephoto/zoom lens are recommended for closer portraits.
● Disability Access
The site is accessed via good pathways and disabled parking facilities are available close to the visitor building entrance. Most of the enclosures are reached over made up gravel style paths but it should be noted that access ‘inside’ the enclosures could be difficult for wheelchair users because of narrow doorways and rough ground. Wheelchair users or those guests with specific needs are advised to contact us before booking and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
●Group Size
The normal group size for this event is 10 delegates.
Itinerary
09:45: Arrival
10:00: Introduction and briefing
10:15: Photography session 1 Red Fox feed with keeper, Scottish Wildcat, Red Squirrel
12:30: Lunch
13:30: Photography session 2 Fallow Deer,Red Deer and Otter
15:00: Tea/coffee break
15:30: Photography session 3 Buzzard, Barn Owl, Eagle Owl and Badger
(NB. During the winter season we will also photograph Harvest mice, Hedgehogs, Little Owl etc inside the unique macro flash studio).
16:00: Summary & Close
Please note: The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on weather conditions and the availability of the exhibits. Start and finish times are fixed to enable transport planning.
What’s included
Tea/coffee on arrival
SandwichLunch
Full Photographic tuition and venue guide
Entrance to the venue
Venue
Surrey
The collection is based at a lovely location where we have arranged special access for our days when there are no other visitors, it is approximately 45 minutes south ofLondon. The animals are housed in large landscaped enclosures which make a perfect backdrop for these native species.
Facilities
Tea/Coffee
Toilets
VisitorBuilding
Mains Power
Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase
Public transport links for the venue are good with a mainline station only a few miles away.
A detailed map, with full directions, will be sent to all delegates before the workshop and a mobile telephone number will be provided in case of any difficulties on the day.
What to bring
- You will be outside for much of the day so you should be dressed to suit the season and weather.
- We suggest you have a water-proof coat in case of rain and waterproof trousers for kneeling down on wet ground. Shelter is available but you should note that all exhibits are outside and hence can not be viewed while using the shelter.
- Refreshments will be provided on arrival and during the afternoon. However you should note this is a private location and there is some opportunity to purchase additional food and drink; but it is suggested that you bring anything specific you require.
- You are welcome to bring whatever photographic equipment you believe may be suitable. There is some walking involved and you will not always be very close to your vehicle so please ensure you can comfortably carry all your equipment.
- Fill in flash might be useful in some conditions e.g. where the subject is backlit.
- A SLR camera together with standard, wide angle and telephoto lens would be ideal. A zoom lens covering the range up to 300mm will be ample for most situations and shorter focal length lenses will be suitable for close-ups. The layout of the collection even means non-SLR users are able to get good opportunities.
- A tripod or monopod is suggested for use with long focal length lenses.
- Make sure your batteries are charged and ready for action before you arrive but we can access power points for additional charging throughout the day.
- Bring plenty of memory cards or the facility to download cards as its surprising how many pictures you can take in one day.
