Winter Waders Norfolk 2024
Winter wader workshop in Norfolk
Winter Waders in Norfolk
Norfolk is famous for its winter flocks of geese, wildfowl and waders who begin to gather here to make their home during our winter months. Norfolk offers a wide variety of habitats, woodland, wetland, coastal estuary, offering beautiful sandy beaches, reed beds, fens and shallow lagoon settings where many species can be seen. My knowledge of the North Norfolk Coast will take you to the best places a long this beautiful coastline ensuring your chances of getting some lovely images.
We’ll experience the habitat of the mud and sand flats of The Wash where we’ll see tens of thousands of wading birds feeding and as the tide rises you’ll witness some amazing flocks against the skyline, offering a great variety of photographic opportunities and a truly atmospheric show and a fine performance.
The date of this 3 day workshop has been chosen to coincide with the hide tides, when thousands of birds gather to roost in front of the hides. We will get in to place and await this spectacular event with the sounds and sights of nature that you will not forget. A quiet and remote experience to the intense noise known as the ‘Norfolk Rhapsody’, a truly astonishing spectacle.
The Wash is England’s largest tidal estuary and one of the country’s most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildfowl and you’ll be spellbound as you watch tens of thousands of pink-footed geese from Iceland leave their night time roost site and head inland to feed. Norfolk in the winter offers so much in the way of wildlife and my aim on this workshop is to get you some of the best images of the winter wildlife Norfolk has to offer.
Day 1
Our hotel is set in a beautiful village location and on arrival we will meet for introductions and discuss the layout of the day and expectations for the following day’s events and experiences, then head out to encounter our first photographic location. Sharing cars is recommended for greater accessibility, we will also use our cars as hides as we drive around to our many locations, never missing a photographic opportunity.
We will visit some of the best places to see the waders and wildfowl and as dusk approaches I’ll take you to one of my Barn Owl sites and hopefully capture it hunting with the sun setting. 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 techniques.
Day 2
An early start each morning will help you to capture some of the wildlife as the sun rises, ensuring we maximise our time in Norfolk. Its then back to the hotel for breakfast, then head out for the whole day visiting many locations and capturing all the opportunities that arise. This will also allow everyone to practice any new learns from day 1. Finishing off the day photographing the Barn Owl hunting in the winter sunshine.
Day 3
We will head out early to capture a predicted high tide where you will see thousands upon thousands of birds flying and making their way closer to the hides and shoreline. It’s a rewarding event where you will capture some great images and one that you will never forget. Then we head back for breakfast, and head out for our final day.
In the evening we will head out to farmland and a wait to capture the thousands of pink footed and greylag geese taking off for their overnight roost. A brilliant spectacle! Then back to the hotel to review your images and a question and answers session before heading back home.
Group Size
4
Accommodation
Our accommodation is in a modern hotel,serving award winning food. All rooms are tastefully furnished, en-suite and offer a flatscreen 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. The north Norfolk coastline will give you many opportunities so a wide angle lens will also be useful.
Additional Information
Norfolk's weather in winter can change 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
Monday 4th, 5th, 6th November 2024
(3 days/2 Nights)
£990
Deposit : £200
Single Supplement : £200
Cost Includes;
Hotel accommodation, award winning local food - breakfast & evening meal, all rooms on a shared basis. All wildlife photography tuition from Craig Jones.
Cost Excludes:
Drinks/Alcohol,Sundry Items, Insurance, and personal items.