Love walking and nature photography?
Join me on a virtual nature walk!
Grab a cup of your favorite brew and get comfortable, because you’re about to go on a virtual nature walk through the East of England's breathtaking nature reserves.
From the windswept coastal marshes to the ancient woodlands; from the rare chalk streams to the bodies of water left behind after gravel extraction, we'll explore the region's diverse landscapes together and uncover their hidden gems.
You'll get an insider's look at the creatures that inhabit these protected habitats and discover their fascinating stories. By the end of our virtual journey, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the East and may even be inspired to plan your next real-life adventure.
So, let's lace up our virtual hiking boots, grab our cameras, read the nature walk checklist and see what we can find outdoors.
Don’t worry if your only just getting into wildlife and nature photography, I’ll provide some tips along the way. I hardly ever go anywhere without my trusty Canon.
I'm Carol, your guide and fellow photography enthusiast.Remember to pack:
- Sunscreen
- Midge spray
- Hat and Gloves
- Water
- Snacks
- A map
- Phone
Photography Opportunities Await
Get ready to snap some incredible shots from broad landscapes to intimate details. Every step along the route offers a chance to capture something amazing.
The great outdoors is full of surprises. Be prepared to adapt to changing weather and light that can make dramatic changes to what you see and capture.
Time of Day
During the golden hour, the first and last hour of sunlight, soft, diffused light wraps your subject in a warm, captivating glow. Wildlife portraits taken during this time feature gentle shadows, reduced contrast, and a dreamy atmosphere.
But when the sun dips below the horizon, the blue hour takes over. This 20-30 minute window before sunrise or after sunset bathes your scene in a tranquil, cool blue light. It's perfect for capturing seascapes and low-light landscapes.
Time of Year
As spring awakens, the UK's ancient woodlands undergo a magical renewal. The woodland floor erupts in a carpet of bluebells, drawing in crowds of nature lovers to marvel at this fleeting spectacle.
Summer is all about abundance, with trees in full leaf and meadows bursting with colourful wildflowers that attract busy bees and butterflies.
As autumn takes over, the scenery shifts gears, painting the landscape with warm, golden hues. Deciduous trees like oaks and beeches trade in their green for bright hues of orange and yellow.
Winter, on the other hand, brings a dramatic reset. The landscape is stripped bare, revealing a clean slate of snow-covered terrain and intricate branch patterns etched against a crisp blue sky. It's a time for rediscovery, as familiar landscapes take on an otherworldly charm.
Whatever the Weather
Rain or shine, don't let the weather hold you back from getting outside and capturing stunning nature photos. In fact, stormy skies, rain, mist and snow can add a dramatic edge to your shots that sunny days can't replicate.
Observe how animals adapt to wet conditions - birds preen their feathers, mammals shake off water droplets, and amphibians thrive in the damp environment. These unique behaviors can make for fascinating and memorable photos.
Check out my guide to wildlife photography in the rain to learn how to make the most of these challenging yet creative conditions.
The Diverse Habitats of the East of England
Get ready to discover the East of England's hidden gems! This region boasts an incredible range of natural habitats and breathtaking scenery.
From wetlands teeming with birds to rugged coastal cliffs and ancient woodland, the East of England is a nature lover's paradise. My virtual tours make it easy to explore these wonders and uncover the secrets of this often-overlooked region.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these tours will inspire you to get outside and appreciate the beauty of the English countryside. You'll gain new skills, insights, and a deeper connection with nature - and be ready to plan your next adventure! Let's take a quick peek...
Coastal Habitats
Discover the diverse coastline of Suffolk, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire, where saltmarshes, wind-whipped dunes, and rugged cliffs support an incredible array of plants and animals.
As you travel into East Yorkshire and Northumberland, you'll find crucial breeding grounds for beloved bird species like puffins and gannets. These iconic creatures rely on the untouched coastal habitats to build their nests and raise their young, making these counties vital for their survival.
Fenland
Enjoy the East of England's Fenlands, a unique habitat like no other.
These flat, low-lying grasslands are prone to winter flooding, creating a rich ecosystem that's teeming with life.
Discover the rare and endangered species that call the fenlands home. Be on the lookout for the fen raft spider, the elusive bittern, and the majestic marsh harrier - just a few of the many wonders waiting to be discovered.
Freshwater Habitats
Hunt out the region's freshwater habitats, where rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds burst with life.
Catch dragonflies in action, skimming the water's surface, and spot great crested grebes building their homes and raising their families.
Mandarin drake (Aix galericulata)Lowland Heaths
Venture onto the lowland heaths, where sandy, acidic soils give rise to a one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for purple heather and your ears open for the nightjar's distinctive call - if you're lucky, you might just spot this elusive bird in its natural habitat.
Woodlands
Get ready to explore the East of England's incredible woodlands, where ancient broadleaved trees meet modern plantations. Be alert and you might spot the elegant roe deer or the elusive Purple Emperor butterfly - and we're about to uncover their secrets.
Nature's beauty goes beyond breathtaking landscapes. It's about the fascinating creatures that inhabit it, and the secrets hidden in rocks, trees, leaves and even ancient ruins.
From the thrill of spotting a kingfisher's electric blue feathers to the delight of watching an otter's carefree play, nature has the power to captivate and inspire us.
But it's more than just a spectacle – it's also a chance to reconnect with something deeper within ourselves.
Male Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)Get Ready to Explore!
Let's start each journey with a brief introduction to the nature reserve or habitat we're about to visit. I'll share a personal anecdote from one of my own visits to give you a sense of what's in store.
Next, I'll showcase my photographs, which capture the stunning wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful flowers, towering trees, and serene lakes that await us. This sneak peek will give you a better idea of what to expect from our adventure.
And don't worry if you're not a bird expert - I'm here to help you identify any feathered friends we encounter along the way!
Join me on Nature Walks with Carol for an immersive adventure that's equal parts education and exploration.
As we stroll through nature, I'll share actionable photography tips to help you capture stunning shots in any weather. From mastering camera settings to editing like a pro, we'll dive into the technical side of photography.
But it's not just about the gear – we'll also explore the creative aspects of storytelling through images, from composition to narrative. Get ready to build your photography skills and see the world in a whole new way
My hubby and one of our dogs walking ahead of me in our villageGet closer to UK nature - Subscribe to Wild Lens!
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