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
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Day 1:
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.
Accommodation: Stone House Hotel, 2-nights
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Days 2-3
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Red squirrel photography
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.
