Water Voles

Venue Sussex

Dates:  Wed 21 Mar 2012  April  TBA

Duration: 7am - 1pm

Places: 5 max

Cost: £95

 

Water voles were once very common on Britain’s waterways and could be found right across the country, but in the 1990’s their numbers suddenly began declining at an alarming rate. In less than 15 years a staggering 90% had disappeared making them the UK's fastest declining mammals.

 

Thankfully this critically endangered species is now showing signs of a recovery, according to surveys carried out by the Environment Agency. They have cited improvements in water quality coupled with stringent control of the voles’ main predator, the introduced American mink, as the two main reasons for its recovery.

However the species still continues to decline in many areas, including much of the south east of England and parts of Wales. It may surprise you to learn that water voles are still extinct in Cornwall and there are only two small populations in Devon. In order to further help the species recover in such areas of decline, the agency have been releasing hundreds of captive bred voles each year.

Without doubt one of my most popular workshops, the water voles are best photographed in early spring during March & April in my opinion. Despite being totally wild and free, at this location they show very little sign of concern at the photographer’s presence and most clients can easily take in the region of 300-400 images during the day. It is not uncommon to have these obliging animals swim across the stream and come so close that the photographer is forced to back up. When this occurs taking an intimate portrait like the one shown below is a piece of cake.

I purposely restrict these workshops to a maximum of five participants to avoid stressing individual animals and this really pays off as many times each photographer has the luxury of finding and working with their own personal vole.

The voles are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon so this workshop requires an early start. The duration of the course is 6 hours and runs from 7am - 1pm. Yes, you will have to get out of bed early for this one but the bonus is that you will be able to stay on once the workshop has officially finished and get those low afternoon light shots as well.

Combination Workshops

The water vole location is relatively close (about 20 miles) to the site where I run the first of the reptile workshops so, especially for participants travelling a long distances, I deliberately run back to back alternate workshops so you can do water voles on the first day, adders on the second day and smooth snakes on the third day if you wanted. I can provide accommodation info for any or all of these workshops.

One to One Workshops

Water Voles, Adders & Smooth Snakes.  If you would prefer to have a 6 hour 1-1 workshop on any of these three subjects the cost is £150 per day. To do any two the cost is £275 thus saving £25. However if you opt to do all three in the same year the reduction is £50 bringing the cost down to £400.

My Money Back Guarantee

Remember I guarantee to find you subjects that are completely wild and free and that you will be able to photograph in their natural habitats. If I don’t find them you get your money back.

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