INTRODUCTION
The age of digital photography has made photographing wildlife an attractive activity for many people, who follow this pastime enthusiastically and the number of bird photographers has boomed over the past decade. A considerable number of people are now buying high quality equipment and taking up wildlife photography for the first time, for which the Cleveland area offers excellent opportunities. Photographers’ desire to get close to a bird or sitting it out in hides can bring them into conflict with others.
It is evident that there are a significant number of long-standing, experienced wildlife photographers in our region who are aware of their legal and moral obligations when pursuing their hobby and it is hoped that they will help those who are still gaining knowledge, fieldcraft and experience.
This guide has been developed jointly by Teesmouth Bird Club (TBC) and RSPB in response to the growing number of new wildlife photographers in the Tees Valley area. It is as much advice to new and aspiring photographers as it is a guide to good practice and ensuring that the photographer stays within the law. It is not intended to be dictatorial, pedantic or to stifle photographers’ enjoyment of their pursuits but merely to provide some legal and moral guidelines which should underpin all responsible wildlife photography. The guidelines focus on how to take photographs whilst having due regard for the welfare of wildlife, other people’s enjoyment (such as birdwatchers, naturalists and, indeed, other photographers) and legal requirements.
GUIDELINES FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS
When photographing wildlife, please remember the following four basic principles:
1. THE WELFARE OF WILDLIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A CLOSER PHOTOGRAPH
If, by your actions, you cause wildlife to behave uncharacteristically (e.g. a territorial male stops singing or a female leaves a nest) or to be disturbed (e.g. birds become tense and alert or fly off or a hare runs for cover) then you have had a negative impact on that species. Repeated flushing and harassing of tired migrants to get a ‘better shot’ should be avoided. Please keep a reasonable distance and avoid causing any distress or disturbance. The use of playback vocalisations should be avoided and is illegal in the case of Schedule 1 species under the ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’.
2. PRESERVE AND RESPECT HABITAT
Paths, trails, viewing points, screens and hides are designed to give photographers the best possible chance of photographing wildlife. This applies particularly to the RSPB Saltholme Reserve, Teesmouth National Nature Reserve and designated sites, such as Dormans Pool SSSI. If leaving established pathways, please ensure that you are not trespassing, causing unnecessary damage to fragile habitat (such as reed beds and wildflower meadows) or disturbing breeding birds (particularly ground nesters, such as Lapwing and Skylark). Leaving a ‘trail’ through protective habitat near a nest site may lead to predation or desertion, so exercise sensitive fieldcraft. By keeping to established paths, wildlife will become familiar and comfortable with people over time, allowing photographers to obtain closer shots than would otherwise be possible.
3. THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AT ALL TIMES
If you see something that you have enjoyed, invite others to share and enjoy that experience. If, by trying to get a closer photograph, you flush a bird or animal this will result in your enjoyment being denied to others.
When in hides or in groups outside, be mindful of the amount of time you are spending in a position that gives the best opportunity for viewing a particular species or spectacle. Be courteous, make space and invite others to share the same opportunity. ‘Hogging’ prime positions is a criticism often levelled at some photographers and birdwatchers, particularly where the subject is a rare species when competition to get the best photograph or view is high. Keep noise to a minimum. Avoid flushing birds or animals when getting out of a parked vehicle, particularly when others are using their vehicles as ‘hides’.
4. REMEMBER YOUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Certain activities are illegal under Part 1 of the ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’ and subsequent amendments under ‘The Countryside and Rights of Way (CroW) Act 2000’. It is an offence under the former Act if any person intentionally:
– disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, or near a nest containing eggs or young, or
-disturbs dependent young of such a bird, or
– enters an area designated by the Secretary of State.
A special licence is required from Natural England to photograph a Schedule 1 bird species at its nest or to enter a special area designated by the Secretary of State.
5. LINKS
