South-East England British Wildlife Center

Longimanus

Longimanus

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Lee
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As this location is just round the corner from me, I thought it was time I checked it out. As a general member of public can you get some nice encounters to photograph? Or is it better to do a workshop?
 
Hi Lee,

I've been there several times both on general and members' opening days, and whilst the latter days were quieter, I've not had problems capturing a variety of birds and animals without distractions, Haven't done a workshop though.
 
I does make for a pleasant day out, some of the fences
can be a bit tricky, but not impossible.


@Gremlin is the one to fill you in on the BWC.
 
I spend a lot of time there, always something different to see, and if you attend the keeper talks you can virtually guarantee seeing the animals,
but stick around after as once the crowds disperse you can get the better pictures (y)
I'm hoping this cold weather continues till New Years Day as the otter ponds are getting iced over and that makes for some good pictures .
The staff are very friendly and approachable, always makes a good day out
 
Many thanks for all the comments, I'm gonna get up there when I get the chance then :-)
 
It can be difficult to get decent shots of Red squirrels at the BWC, you need a long lens for them to get a good grip on.....

rsq1.jpg



(Shot by Tim of me being squirreled :D)
 
mmmm, fisheye is it then :-)

In general what focal length is best? I currently have my 12-40mm + 60mm on my OMD
 
In all seriousness, I use a 70-200 2.8 for most zoo environments,
including there.

If you have something like that, its ideal as some of the animals are actually not that close.
But as Ingrid said above, go for the "feeding times" and hang around after,
and most of the animals will be a bit closer.
 
Well worth a visit I've been to the individual sessions but a friend has and has highly recommended them if you really want to go for the 'special' shots.
 
It's a great place, we had a TP meet there a few years ago, perhaps we could have another one in the summer :)
 
I have wanted to visit there for years, and have now booked myself into there photographic day (and a B and B) next Tuesday. I am really looking forward to it!
 
MadWoman said:
I have wanted to visit there for years, and have now booked myself into there photographic day (and a B and B) next Tuesday. I am really looking forward to it!
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Keep your eyes open around the Otter enclosures, there was a Kingfisher perched there on Saturday (and all I had with me was my P&S :()
 
mrgubby said:
Keep your eyes open around the Otter enclosures, there was a Kingfisher perched there on Saturday (and all I had with me was my P&S :()
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It was there on Sunday too Brian and still no decent camera :p mind you ...................................;)

Longimanus said:
I would be interested in this if the dates suit
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Lee, I am only about 30 minutes away and go there quite often, if you fancy a trip over, drop me a pm and if I am free I'll join you
 
Ingrid, that is very kind, I believe that you live in Horsham as well don't you?

It would be good to go with someone with a bit of experience of the place :-)
 
I have heard about the kingfisher - in fact someone told me to take my 500 f4 for it, but, much as I would like photograph it, I already have some decent kingfisher shots and I am not lugging my big lens round all day on the off chance. I will have my 109-400 with me though, so you never know...
 
I've been looking to visit here. But coming from Cardiff it's a bit of a trek. I'd like to join if you happen to be going on one of my days off. Was also looking at one of the photographic days. Are these any good, or can you get just as good photos from a public day?
 
hashcake said:
It's a great place, we had a TP meet there a few years ago, perhaps we could have another one in the summer :)
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My wife and I are interested if a group can be arranged. It is only a few minutes from us as well, about half an hour or less. I went some time ago as well

IN WITH THE FOXES






Tim
on photographic days you actually get into some of the compounds






 
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Longimanus said:
Ingrid, that is very kind, I believe that you live in Horsham as well don't you?

It would be good to go with someone with a bit of experience of the place :)
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Not quite Lee, but I do pass through on my way ;)
Yep it's always handy, to get to know a place, and I could probably lend you a
longish lens too :)
 
twhite87 said:
I've been looking to visit here. But coming from Cardiff it's a bit of a trek. I'd like to join if you happen to be going on one of my days off. Was also looking at one of the photographic days. Are these any good, or can you get just as good photos from a public day?
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Never been to a photographic day, you can get decent pictures on any day if you know when to hang around the enclosures
if you want to get bored :whistle: a few of mine from ordinary visits BWC on Flickr
 
Some nice shots Ingrid, thanks for the offer on the lens, if only I still had my Nikon!
 
I've been there on a normal day and you can get pretty close, the animals come out for the feeds etc. I would be interested in a meet up here though, I work a couple of miles away from it :)
 
MadWoman said:
I have heard about the kingfisher - in fact someone told me to take my 500 f4 for it, but, much as I would like photograph it, I already have some decent kingfisher shots and I am not lugging my big lens round all day on the off chance. I will have my 109-400 with me though, so you never know...
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There's a Kingfisher in attendance at Arudel Wildfowl and wetlands. You have to go on the boat to see it but the pilot is experienced as to where it sits and feeds, I was only hampered by the short (and only) lens I had with me. Of course nothing is guaranteed.
 
Thanks Peige. I would love to visit Arundel some day, but I am based in Worcestershire so it would be a major expedition.
 
Longimanus said:
Ingrid, that is very kind, I believe that you live in Horsham as well don't you?

It would be good to go with someone with a bit of experience of the place :)
Click to expand...


Ok so with the weather looking good I am thinking of going over some time this weekend (y)
If you or any of the others are interested, sorry it's short notice
 
Damn, I cant as I have a football tournament for my son this weekend, please let me know when you go again though Ingrid
 
I'd be interested as well as it's only 30 mins from me, but can't make this weekend though :(
 
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