Photography hides in UK which every nature lover should be visiting
DSLR Cam traps, Drones and other quirky devices, have all helped us to achieve some amazing and different perspectives on nature. Yet still, many award- winning images are still arriving from photography hides in the UK.
Ok, so there are some amazing award winning images taken by such devices, you just have to look at the amazing work of photographers such as Jamie Hall to see how effective the results can be. Even the world renown Nick Brandt used the DSLR Cam trap technique on his recent ‘This Empty World‘ project.
Yet, on the whole photo shelters are still pulling some awesome strings in the competition world. Images taken by those willing to endure all day in hides, and sometimes all night, for beautiful photos.
Wildlife Photography Hides in UK have come a long way in the last 5 years. More and more amazing field-craft skills are been imploded into set-ups and many have fantastic conservation benefits too.
We’ve been looking at what’s HOT! in hide photography and which hides in UK we think (in no particular order) every nature photographer and wildlife lover should be visiting in 2019.
1. Cuckoo hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: April-May
Photographer and hide owner, Alan McFadyen, has been running this cuckoo hide for 6 years with a 100% success rate.
This cuckoo is an often heard, yet seldom seen, bird that migrates from Africa to breed here in the UK each spring around late April. They hang around until mid-late summer after they lay eggs in other bird species nests. Lazy parents, yet amazing species which is the highlight for many UK wildlife photographers.
Booking and more information is available here.
2. Sparrowhawk hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: All year round
Another hide run by Alan McFadyen, this Sparrowhawk hide was featured on BBC’s Autumnwatch.
Described by Chris Packham as not only as the best bird on the planet as a species, but the best bird in the world as an individual, The male who visits, known as ‘MAD MAX’, is supported by his female friend and the youngsters they have raised over the years.
Booking and more information is available here.
3. Kestrel hide
Blandford, Dorset
When to visit: Year Round
Run by WPE team member, Chris Ashurst, this kestrel photography hide has been 3 years in the making.
Kestrel are such an amazing species which is the highlight for many UK wildlife photographers. Chris has worked this set up on an organic farm for 3 years with several daily visits from both male and female. Little owls are also in the area and sometimes visit this hide.
Booking and more information is available here.
4. Little Owl hide
Buckinghamshire
When to visit: April-August
Photographer Neil Neville, has been running this hide for 6 years with a huge success rate.
Set on a rural farm in South Buckinghamshire, in the heart of resident breeding pair of wild Little Owl territory. The hide offers a comfortable session available for either evening or morning bookings.
Booking and more information is available here.
5. Aviemore Ospreys
Aviemore, Scotland
When to visit: April-August
Born in Aviemore and working outdoors since leaving school, Gordon has worked as guide on the River Spey for 13 years, before spending more than 15 years at Rothiemurchus Estate, helping develop the fishery and wildlife photography there from its concept.
The Osprey hides at Aviemore are the best available in the UK, with huge success rates. The hides has been positions perfectly for stunning images of this amazing species.
Booking and more information is available here.
6. Kingfisher hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: All Year Round
Perched, Diving and Underwater photography of kingfishers are all available at this superb hide.
The kingfisher hide has been widely featured and acts as a fantastic conservation project for protecting and increasing the species population along the west coast of Scotland. This photo hide was recently featured on ITV’s Border Life, which you can watch here.
Booking and more information is available here.
7. Pond hide
Bourne, Lincolnshire
When to visit: Year Round
If comfort and a Bence Mate style is what you are after then the Pond Hide is worth a look. This hide offer multiple shooting aspects with multi species and merging habitats.
Probably the only overnight hide in the UK the hide receives visits from Otters and Heron’s, where flash is used to capture some great images. Along with the species mentioned, Kingfisher, Red kite, Buzzard & Woodland Birds all visit.
Booking and more information is available here.
8. Reflection Pool hide
Lichfield, Staffordshire
When to visit: Year Round
Run by WPE co-founder, Scott Latham, this reflection pool and woodland bird hide is built for a comfortable days photography.
A host of bird species visit this set up from Nuthatch and Jays to Buzzards and Tawny Owls. The hide offers alot for it’s low price tag and even comes with fresh tea or coffee.
Booking and more information is available here.
9. Daytime Badger hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: April-Aug
Coming face to face with the UK’s favourite mammal is not something people get to witness often.
Seeing Badgers is a rare experience, but to be able see and photograph them in daylight is something really special. This hide offers you a unique and precious memory that’ll last a life time.
Booking and more information is available here.
10. Dipper hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: April-June
The UK’s only water songbird the dipper has some of the most amazing characteristics wildlife can offer.
The dipper hide in Scotland has been designed so you are eye level with the stream. This allows you to gain some amazing photographs as the Dipper adults gather food for their hungry chicks at the nest close by.
Booking and more information is available here.
11. Pine Marten hide
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
When to visit: Year Round
One of the most elusive mammals in the UK the Pine Marten is making a fantastic comeback around the Dumfries and Galloway region.
This photography hide has been set up in prime Pine Marten territory and receives visits from the whole family, including the young. LED lighting is used to illuminate the area so flash is not needed for the use of this shelter. Nothing quite beats seeing your first wild UK Pine Marten.
Booking and more information is available here.
Conclusion
Basically, what ever species you want to add to your portfolio there will be photography hides in UK for you to capture great images.
These are just some of our favourites. One’s we know are most reliable and set up by professionals. The UK photography market is every growing, yet, people are having to work more hours, meaning less hobby time is available. The use of photography hides is not a way of cheating. It’s a way to enjoy your hobby, create stunning images and hopefully pick up some award winners.