A morning photographing iconic wildlife such as great bustard, stone curlew, barn owl, little owl, whinchat, stonechat, yellow wagtail, hen harrier, brown hare and roe deer

Salisbury Plain is the wild heart of Wiltshire. Its use as a military training area has protected a large proportion from most development and intensive agriculture. The result is that the Plain is now the largest area of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe, home to many rare species. Travelling around more remote areas, its rolling grassland dotted with trees looks somewhat like savanna. Fittingly, the Plain has its own indigenous big game in the form of the great bustard (Otis tarda), the world’s heaviest flying birds. After an absence of over 150 years, bustards are now living freely on the Plain once more, thanks to a reintroduction programme by volunteers.

At our meeting point you will transfer into the cars of your guides who will drive you round Salisbury Plain in search of great bustard, stone curlew, barn owl, little owl, whinchat, stonechat, yellow wagtail, hen harrier, brown hare and roe deer. The workshop is timed to coincide with the great bustard lek and expected arrival of summer migrants. Whilst there are no guarantees, our chance of finding and photographing these species is good. During the workshop you will be doing photography from your guide’s car and on foot. In order to ensure the best photographic opportunities, group size is limited to six participants with two leaders, both of whom have many years’ experience in finding and photographing the target species.

Group Size: Maximum of six participants with two leaders (Robert Harvey and Alan Benson).

Recommended photographic equipment:

• Digital single lens reflex camera, mirrorless camera or equivalent

• Macro lens (ideally around 180mm focal length).

• Telephoto lens (400mm +)

• Extension tubes (desirable to reduce focus distance of telephoto lens)

• Tripod (recommended)

• Monopod (optional)

• Sturdy outdoor footwear

• Packed lunch

Date:

• Thursday 18 April 2024

One day tour. Cost £130.

Meeting Point: The tour will start and end at Upavon, Wiltshire. Meet at 6.00am, finish at midday.

Included: Transport, guiding to find target species, photographic tuition.

Not included: Food, drinks (bring packed breakfast/snacks).