Our woodland photography hide is now complete – it has been a bit of a work in progress whilst we completed the installation of a reflection pool, but this is now finished. Our thanks to the volunteer photographers who have helped provide advice and to our volunteer work party for constructing the pool.Now it is finished, the pool should enable close up shots of woodland birds drinking or bathing, and with an interesting reflection with the woodland in the background.
Lovely set of shots from the reflection pool by Barry Jackson & Jim Willett
The perches and feeders still enable opportunities for shots of the birds away from the pool.
Exciting news - we will be able to offer the area at weekend at other times of year - please ask if you would like more details.
Great spotted woodpecker by Nick Smith
Goldfinch by Barry JacksonWhen: hiring available during opening hours December – March, and at weekends at other times of year.Opening times: Full day (9.45 am-4.15 pm) or half day (9.45 am-1 pm or 1-4.15 pm) hire available. Pricing: Half day £25 (20 for RSPB members), or full day £35 (£28 for RSPB members). Entry to the reserve is included in the price. Want to get more out of your visit? Enquire about photography tuition (not included in the price).One to one personal tuition tailored to your needs and camera type and hide hire for only: half day £50 (40 for RSPB members), or full day £70 (£56 for RSPB members).Gift vouchers (for both hide hire and tuition sessions are available).
I’m afraid Members do enough for the RSPB already. I’ve donated in appeals. But enough is enough. Why should photographers have priority over everyone else and getting a closer view of wild birds. The hide should be available for everyone to use at no extra cost. There are others on this forum who agree with me. If they wish to post on this blog, it’s up to them and I hope they do.
Regards,
Ian.
I'm sorry but I can't believe that someone even with the remotest interest in conservation and protecting our amazing wildlife and ever dwindling wild places could be against the RSPB making a little more money by offering this additional facility as I said much better to contribute to conservation.
By making this an additional payment system the Hide pays for itself and attracts more people who in turn spend money in the cafe and shop.
If the RSPB used their limited funds to build a free photography Hide you'd have people moaning that they aren't photographers and want their money spent on something else !
This way if you don't want to use the hide you don't pay for it !
Well if you saw a previous thread about this a number of members on this forum like me, agreed with me and it was quite a long thread. I must also say it’s a disgrace that the RSPB are doing this and i’ve been a member of the RSPB since the early 1970’s.
I'm afraid I completely disagree with you Ian ! And I say that as a full member and volunteer. I guess as the Hide is booked today, Saturday and Sunday I'm glad to say I'm not the only one.
£17.50 is not a bargain. It’s still very extortunate. You shouldn't have to pay any extra than you do for any other bird hide at any RSPB reserve just so photographers can get a closer and a privaledged look at birds and other wildlife and i say that as a life member of the RSPB.