UK wildlife, a little help!

Six months ago, I decided (and more importantly!) got permission to have a week away on my own to shoot a weeks worth of wildlife...along with some landscapes.

The original plan was to head up to Skye where I've seen seals, Minke whales and Sea Eagles. As the year has gone on, this date has been pushed back and back for many reasons, to the point where I'm now looking at late November.

I've been to Skye out of season a few times now, but November for some reason strikes me as a month that could throw up all sorts of weather that could hamper the 600 mile drive I would need to do....on my own....

So, keeping in mind I live in Hertforshire, where would you UK lot recommend to go for a week? My main aim was to shoot seals so the whales and eagles can wait until next year (plus I'm off to Iceland Boxing Day so I'm hoping for whales there). I've read that Norfolk is good, but the east coast is not somewhere I know very well. In the next couple of weeks I shall be adding a 500 F4, so reach shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions...........​..or some encouragement to stick to the Skye idea!

Hi

Not too sure about how big the resident population is but there are seals @ Blakeney Point in Norfolk.

How about the Red Kites at Gigrin Farm in Rhyader (? the spelling) in Mid Wales.

Look up the various RSPB reserves for what water birds overwinter???

I went to Donna Nook for the seals in November 2009..............quit​e some place it was too. Edit ~ this one was taken there http://500px.com/photo​/4882975

That is all I can think of for now

HTH

Thanks, Blakeney Point looks good as does Gigrin Farm.

I shall have a more in depth look!

By November, it's getting in to pupping season.

The sand bars at Donna Nook are only ever accessable at the weekend due to it being a RAF test area. However by November, the Wildlife Trust ask people to not venture out as it's been shown that it has causes distress and a drop in pup survival. But that is no barrier to photography because there's plenty of pups almost within touching distance of the footpath from the carpark. (the footpath is accessable during the week too)

About 40,000 people now turn up to see them between now and Christmas. The Wildlife Trust can't legally deny people their right to access the sand bars, but even if you know what you're doing, please don't set an example that encourages the other 39,999.

Disclaimer: I've been to Donna Nook and I've done the long trek out across the sands. However that was mid-September, it was before the crowds, and before the pregnant females turn up.

I haven't been to Blakeney Point (I will be next week!) but I believe by November they will already have closed access to the far tip where they seals pup.

I have been to Gigrin Farm but, personally, I prefer Llanddeusant. http://www.redkiteswal​es.co.uk/
There are not so many kites there but seem to be a little closer and the hides allow for more camera movement, it is cheap as well! I am a little biased as it is closer for me and I can pop over to Carreg Cennen Castle for the golden hour shots on the way home. http://cadw.wales.gov.​uk …eg-cennen-castle/?lang=en

I would stick with Plan A and head for Skye (or at least the Scottish Highlands). Stormy skies will only add to the dramatic landscapes and you are unlikely to get snowbound in November. If you're concerned about the drive, Easyjet fly Luton to Inverness and you could hire a car there?

Plan A is still favourite, I've done the drive in February before, the worst part (for snow) was Glencoe, the island itself was fine.

Scott_online wrote in post #16375992
If you're concerned about the drive, Easyjet fly Luton to Inverness and you could hire a car there?

Easy if your a MP or a professional, what about us ordinary surfs

happyduck wrote in post #16402348
Easy if your a MP or a professional, what about us ordinary surfs

It actually works out to be a similar cost (from where I am anyway) In time though, door to door, it's not that different. Plus, the drive through Glencoe is worth it!

Scott_online wrote in post #16375992
Easyjet fly Luton to Inverness and you could hire a car there?

That's what we did when we went to Skye. Flew to Inverness, hired a 4x4, spent 4 days exploring Speyside, 1 day driving (slowly, via Applecross) to Skye, 4 days there, 1 day back to Inverness, fly home.

You can get similar wildlife to Skye on Mull, which would be slightly closer. For seals, there's the Farne Islands off Northumberland. Some of the boat (Glad Tidings) are running trips out there for the seals specifically (weather permitting obviously!!)

Richard

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm planning on Skye for the last week in November....even got a set of winter tyres, so I'm committed now......

I did think of Mull, but I do have quite an attraction to Skye. Not sure what I shall see that late in the year, so it may just be a landscapes trip.

Thanks all.