Workshops

Winter Wildlife In The Peak District

The winter wildlife in the peak district brings together a selection of animals that live all year in and around the Peak District in Derbyshire.  An area that I’ve grown up in, where I run one to ones and workshops concentrating on Dippers, Red grouse, Watervoles, Short Eared Owls, Curlews and many other visitors/migrants all year long. During these three days we’ll be concentrating our efforts on Red Grouse among the winter landscapes, Mountain Hares, the only place outside of Scotland where this is a healthy population of these mammals, Dippers, which stay all year and don’t migrant like alot of other birds, and Watervoles.

We will visit the beautiful Valleys and Dales of the Peak District whose landscapes and rivers support some of the best populations of these animals in the country. All ensuring we maximise our time in the Peak District.

The heaths and moors of the Peak District are an eerie exposure of peat covered moorland sitting about 600m (2000 ft) above sea level. Large wind carved eroded rocks sit among vast plateaus and rock formations supporting a healthy population of Red Grouse. These iconic moorland birds make their home on these moors and are reliant on their camouflaged plumage to blend in to this habitat.

My knowledge of this whole area will take you to the best places ensuring your chances of getting some lovely images.I will demonstrate and guide you through various fieldcraft skills and techniques that will help you to get closer to all these and more animals here and in turn enabling you to get the best possible images. We’ll experience the habitat of this diverse and wildlife rich environment throughout these three days, offering a great variety of photographic opportunities from landscapes to wildlife.

The Peak District will provide you with some excellent photo opportunities for landscape images, with its open slopes, rocky outcrops and impressive waterfalls and weirs, along with many opportune to capture the specialized wildlife that live in this unique environment

Day 1
Our hotel is located in the beautiful and historic town of Buxton. On arrival we will meet for introductions and then head straight out to encounter our first photographic location making best use of the morning light. Sharing cars is recommended for greater accessibility, as we drive around to our many locations, never missing a photographic opportunity.

We will visit some of the best places to see the Red Grouse, Mountain Hare as dusk approaches. We will then return to the hotel to refresh for our evening meal, then review and discuss the day’s images, sharing valuable best practices and tips, enabling everyone to develop their approach, skills and technique.

Day 2
An early start to capture the iconic moorland bird, the Red Grouse as they awaken with the rising sun. Its then back to the hotel for breakfast, then head out for the whole day visiting many locations and capturing Watervoles and Dippers. This will also allow everyone to practice any new learns from day 1. We’ll then head to a place as the sun sets to hopefully capture the Short Eared owl hunting in the last rays of sunlight over the moorlands of the Peak District.

Day 3
We will head out early to capture Mountain Hares as the sun rises, against the backdrop of the Peak District which will make for some amazing images. Then we head back for breakfast and head out for our final day among the moors and rivers of the Peak District, visiting many different Grouse, Dipper sites. Then back to the hotel to review your images and a question and answers session before heading back home.

Group Size

6

Accommodation

Our Hotel in Buxton is reputed to be the oldest hotels in England, one time host to Mary Queen of Scots. The hotels mellowed walls and many ancient rooms reflect the pedigree of its rich past, yet providing every comfort, cuisine and high technology expected from the best hotels of today. All rooms are tastefully furnished, en-suite and offer a flat screen TV along with tea/coffee-making facilities. Free internet access is available in the lounge areas.

Fitness Level

Most activities will involve short walks, some over uphill, uneven terrain. Waterproof walking boots are essential. A reasonable level of fitness is required. We will make best use of the light so early starts and late finishes will be part of the timetable

Recommended Kit

You will need to provide your own photographic equipment, a 500mm lens is ideal but a 300mm with convertors will meet your needs. A tripod and a bean bag is a must. This beautiful area will give you many landscape opportunities so a wide angle lens will also be useful.

Additional Information

The Peak District weather can change very quickly, and some of our locations are fairly exposed so appropriate clothing and footwear will be necessary. In the winter months this can be a truly wild place and very cold. Waterproofs and camouflaged/muted coloured clothing is a must. Waterproof housing and lens covers are also essential to protect your equipment

Dates and Cost

19th, 20th, 21st November  2012

6 clients (3 full days/2 Nights)

£480 -On a shared occupancy, single supplement is available at an extra cost

Includes: Hotel accommodation, award winning local food - breakfast & evening meal, all rooms on a shared basis, single supplement is available at an extra cost, all wildlife photographic tuition and knowledge from Craig Jones

Cost Excludes: Drinks/Alcohol and Sundry Items