Having found a badger set a while back whilst on a walk, I went to put out some trail cameras to hopefully get some nice footage. It will also allow me to see what sort of time the badgers come and go, and hopefully be able to get some photographs of them one evening.
Capturing the Wild: Trail Cameras, Sheep, and Foxes in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean, nestled between the rivers Severn and Wye in Gloucestershire, England, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Its ancient woodlands, sprawling meadows, and diverse ecosystems make it a prime location for capturing nature’s beauty. Inspired by my video titled “Wildlife Photography | Scouting for Badgers | Forest of Dean | Nikon Z8” (YouTube), this blog post explores the art of setting up trail cameras to monitor badger sets, the unique tradition of free-roaming sheep in the region, and practical tips for photographing the elusive red fox. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, the Forest of Dean offers a rich canvas for wildlife photography, provided you approach it with respect and care.
Setting Up Trail Cameras for Badgers
Badgers (Meles meles) are iconic British mammals, known for their distinctive black-and-white faces and nocturnal habits. Their underground homes, called sets, are hubs of activity, making them ideal targets for trail cameras. In the video, I venture into the Forest of Dean to place trail cameras near a badger set, aiming to capture footage and determine the best times for in-person photography. Here’s how you can follow suit, based on best practices from wildlife experts:
Key Tips for Trail Camera Setup
- Seek Landowner Permission: Before placing cameras, always obtain permission from the landowner. Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and unauthorized interference with sets is illegal.
- Optimal Placement: Position the camera along badger paths, not across them, to capture animals moving naturally. Ensure no vegetation obstructs the lens, as even small plants can block the view. Avoid placing cameras too close to the set to prevent disturbance, which could be considered illegal.
- Camera Settings: Test your camera at home to adjust settings like video length, image size, and motion sensitivity. Use no-glow infrared cameras, as low-glow models may disturb badgers, especially near sets.
- Secure and Maintain: Hide cameras from public view to prevent theft, and place them above ground level to avoid being obscured by grass growth. Use rechargeable batteries and carry spare memory cards for quick swaps during checks, minimizing your presence at the site. A cable lock is a good idea to prevent camera theft.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Forgetting memory cards, batteries, or straps can derail your efforts. Avoid pointing cameras into the sun, which can cause overexposure, and don’t place them too close to subjects, as this leads to white-out images.
Practical Considerations
Badgers are creatures of habit, using well-worn paths that are often visible after rain when soft soil reveals their tracks. In the Forest of Dean, badger sets are commonly found in clearings rather than dense forest, making them easier to locate with careful observation (Badger Camera Trapping). Once a set is identified, regular camera checks can reveal badger activity patterns, helping you plan for in-person photography sessions.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Permission | Obtain landowner consent to comply with legal protections. |
| Camera Type | Use no-glow infrared (e.g., Bushnell Trophy Cam, Crenova). |
| Placement | Along badger paths, hidden from public view, above grass level. |
| Settings | Test video length, image size; use high sensitivity for motion detection. |
| Maintenance | Use rechargeable batteries, spare cards; check regularly but minimally. |
By following these guidelines, you can capture stunning footage of badgers without disrupting their natural behavior, contributing to both personal enjoyment and wildlife appreciation.
Free-Roaming Sheep in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is not only a wildlife hotspot but also home to a centuries-old tradition of free-roaming sheep. Dating back over 800 years, this practice allows local “sheep badgers” (residents with ancient grazing rights) to let their flocks wander freely across the forest’s public lands. These sheep, including breeds like Welsh Mountain, Speckled Faced, and Cheviots, are a picturesque feature of the landscape, often seen grazing or resting on dry stone walls (Visit Dean Wye).
A Cultural and Photographic Gem
The sheep add a rustic charm to the Forest of Dean, making them excellent subjects for photographers. Their presence reflects a deep cultural heritage, with around 45 registered commoners currently upholding the tradition (BBC News). However, the practice isn’t without controversy. Some residents, particularly in villages like Bream, report issues such as sheep eating garden plants, leaving droppings, or causing minor property damage (Metro News). Efforts like the Sheep Liaison Group, established post-2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, aim to address these concerns through collaboration between commoners, Forestry England, and local authorities.
Capturing Sheep in Photos
Photographing these sheep is straightforward due to their accessibility. Use a standard or telephoto lens to capture them in their natural environment, such as grazing in open glades or wandering along forest paths. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the texture of their wool and the forest’s scenery. Be mindful of their movements, as they can be unpredictable, and respect private property boundaries to avoid conflicts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tradition Age | Over 800 years, rooted in medieval commoning rights. |
| Common Breeds | Welsh Mountain, Speckled Faced, Cheviots, occasionally Kerry or Ryeland. |
| Key Locations | Parkend, forest glades, near dry stone walls. |
| Management | Overseen by ~45 commoners; Sheep Liaison Group addresses issues. |
| Photography Tips | Use soft lighting (morning/evening), standard/telephoto lens, respect boundaries. |
The free-roaming sheep embody the Forest of Dean’s blend of nature and culture, offering photographers a chance to capture a living tradition while navigating its modern challenges.
Tips for Photographing Foxes
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are among the most charismatic subjects for wildlife photographers, and the Forest of Dean’s woodlands and edges provide ideal habitats. While my video focuses on badgers, foxes are likely present in the same areas, as the forest supports a variety of wildlife (Wildlife Worldwide). Photographing foxes requires understanding their behavior and employing specific techniques to capture their fleeting moments.
Finding and Approaching Foxes
- Habitats and Timing: Foxes thrive at the edges of woods, meadows, and suburban areas with dense vegetation. In the Forest of Dean, look for signs like dens (7-9 inches in diameter) near water or cover. They’re most active during the “blue hours” of dawn and dusk, especially in spring when kits emerge and both parents hunt
Photography Techniques
- Equipment: A telephoto lens (300-400mm or more, e.g., Nikon 180-600mm) is essential for distant shots without disturbing the fox. A tripod or monopod, like the Sirui SVM-145, stabilizes long lenses during low-light conditions.
- Camera Settings: Set a high ISO (6400-8000) to handle dim light, with apertures of f/4 to f/8 for depth of field. Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 sec or faster) to freeze motion, especially during playful or hunting behaviors. Continuous autofocus (e.g., Al Servo) and high-speed shooting capture dynamic moments.
- Lighting and Composition: Dawn offers quieter conditions, while dusk provides warmer light. Frame foxes against non-distracting backgrounds, like forest clearings, to highlight their vibrant fur and expressive eyes.
Ethical Considerations
Never feed or bait foxes, as this can lead to unnatural behaviors or health issues. Avoid revealing den locations to protect foxes from disturbance or harm. Ethical photography prioritizes the animal’s well-being, ensuring your presence doesn’t disrupt their natural routines or expose them to risks.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Times | Dawn and dusk, especially spring for kit activity. |
| Lens | Telephoto (300-400mm+), e.g., Nikon 180-600mm. |
| Settings | High ISO (6400-8000), f/4-f/8, 1/500 sec+, continuous AF, high-speed shooting. |
| Approach | Use natural cover, stay low, move quietly, avoid scent detection. |
| Ethics | No feeding/baiting, protect den locations, minimize disturbance. |
Foxes’ playful pouncing, nurturing behaviors, and striking appearance make them rewarding subjects, especially when photographed responsibly in the Forest of Dean’s diverse landscapes.
The Forest of Dean: A Wildlife Haven
Beyond badgers, sheep, and foxes, the Forest of Dean supports a rich array of wildlife, including fallow deer, wild boar, pine martens, goshawks, and various bird species like hawfinches and nightjars (Forestry England). This biodiversity enhances its appeal for photographers, as trail cameras set for badgers might also capture deer, foxes, or other species wandering by. The forest’s history as a royal hunting ground and its designation as the UK’s first National Forest Park in 1938 underscore its ecological significance.
Ethical Photography in Practice
Wildlife photography in the Forest of Dean requires a commitment to ethical practices. Respect protected species like badgers, adhere to local traditions like sheep commoning, and minimize your environmental impact. Use your images to advocate for conservation, highlighting the forest’s role as a stronghold for rare and iconic species.
Conclusion
The Forest of Dean offers a captivating blend of wildlife, history, and photographic opportunities. By setting up trail cameras to observe badgers, capturing the charm of free-roaming sheep, and mastering the art of photographing foxes, you can immerse yourself in this ancient forest’s natural wonders. This guide encourages you to approach wildlife photography with skill, patience, and respect. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet vigilance of a badger, the pastoral beauty of grazing sheep, or the fleeting grace of a fox, the Forest of Dean invites you to capture its wild heart while safeguarding its future.
For more inspiration, watch my Video’s and explore the Forest of Dean’s trails, always with a camera in hand and a reverence for nature in heart.