This workshop in the Yorkshire Dales led by expert photographic leader, Kevin Morgans, will provide unrivalled opportunities to photograph one of the nation’s favourite mammals, the charismatic red squirrel.
Once found throughout the UK, red squirrels are now very rare in England, but pockets of the Yorkshire Dales provide a haven for the species and the population in the north of the national park is thriving.
We visit a network of superb, specially designed hides where we have the advantage of being able to photograph the squirrels in three unique settings during the best light of the day, building a portfolio of action and portrait shots. The squirrels at this site are abundant and, although naturally shy, continue their daily routines in front of us, providing outstanding photographic opportunities. There are opportunities to photograph the iconic red squirrels in both woodland settings, when jumping, running along walls and at a reflection pool.
Kevin will provide expert guidance and tuition throughout, and there will be a variety of woodland birds possible to photograph in addition to the squirrels. In the evenings, we will review our days’ work, with further tips and advice on processing from the leader.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Hawes before a welcome briefing and dinner
This afternoon we meet at our wonderful hotel in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where Kevin will be on hand to greet us on arrival in reception.
There's an opportunity to relax and settle into our new surrounds before we reconvene for a welcome briefing, dinner and opportunity to go through techniques for the workshop ahead.
This morning we transfer the short distance to the hides. Over the course of the next two days, we split into two groups of two as we rotate between the different hides and the jumping platform. We return to the hotel in the afternoons and in the evening, Kevin will be on hand to go through editing and a range of photography techniques.
Red squirrel reflection pool hide
The reflection pool hide offers a fantastic opportunity to see and photograph red squirrels feeding, drinking, and even playing in the water. In still conditions, you can obtain perfect reflections against a clean woodland floor backdrop.
Other animals you could see include roe deer, rabbits, woodland birds from great spotted woodpeckers to siskins, stock doves, tits, and a variety of finches. Occasionally, more elusive creatures like sparrowhawks and owls may even put in an appearance!
Red squirrel woodland hide
The hide has been purposely designed to enable comfortable photography, with windows offering views of perches on three sides. At the front of the hide there are dual height windows which allow for shots of squirrels on the trees and taller perches and ground shots/lower perches.
We also spend time at a purpose-built jumping platform, offering excellent opportunities to capture stunning mid-air images.
The squirrels are extremely reliable and generally there are several present at any one time. However, these are wild animals and as such they cannot be 100% guaranteed (this can be due to adverse weather conditions, for example). That said, the squirrels have never failed to turn up for visitors at any time over the past six years, and the site is most definitely one of the best locations to see reds up-close and in good numbers anywhere in the UK.
After our final session on day three, we return to the hotel in the afternoon to collect our bags bid farewell to Kevin and go our separate ways, bringing to conclusion a wonderful few days.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 3 daysfrom £995 pp
Kevin is a multi-award-winning wildlife photographer, tour leader, and photographic guide and has seen his work published across the globe.
His work with Atlantic puffins recently won the prestigious portfolio prize in Bird Photographer Of The Year, along with a category win in Golden Turtle & multiple awarded images in MontPhoto, Environmental Photographer Of The Year, Natures Best & Nature Image Awards to name a few.
Kevin has a passion for photographing UK wildlife, but his journey has seen him travel further afield across Europe, Canada, and the polar regions in search of wildlife. He is an experienced guide who has been running 1-1 and group workshops for many years, using this experience to pass on his knowledge of the natural world and how best to capture it.
Spanning North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire in the North of England, The Yorkshire Dales National Park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and wildlife habitats. Established in 1954 the park is home to red squirrel, brown hare, black grouse and dipper.
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Where: North-west England
Ideal for viewing: red squirrel, badger, black grouse, little owl, dipper
The Stone House Hotel is a Grade II listed building with a classic country house feel. Situated in an acre of old English gardens near the charming market town of Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the hotel makes for a convenient and comfortable stay in the national park.
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