Best for: Woodland wildlife, landscapes, misty mornings

 

Wyre Forest is one of the largest ancient woodlands in England and a go-to location for wildlife and atmospheric forest photography. Early mornings often bring low-lying mist, especially in autumn, creating soft, layered scenes through the trees.

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What to shoot:

• Fallow and roe deer (dawn/dusk)

• Woodland birds (nuthatch, woodpeckers)

• Foggy tree compositions

• Autumn colour and leading lines​

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Best time to visit:
Sunrise is key. Autumn and winter offer the best mood and light.

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Top tips:

• Use longer lenses (200mm+) for deer

• Look for natural framing with tree trunks

• Shoot into light for mist glow

Location: Upton Warren Nature Reserve

Best for: Bird photography, wetland species

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Managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Upton Warren is one of the best bird photography spots in the Midlands.

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What to shoot:

• Avocets, lapwings, and waders

• Ducks and geese in winter

• Close-up bird portraits from hides​

 

Best time to visit:
Early morning or late afternoon. Spring and winter are strongest seasons.

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Top tips:

• Use hides for eye-level shots

• 300mm–600mm ideal

• Watch light direction across pools

Location: Malvern Hills

Best for: Landscapes, sunrise/sunset

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The Malverns offer sweeping views across Worcestershire and beyond, perfect for dramatic light and weather.

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What to shoot:

• Rolling hills and leading ridge lines

• Sunrise silhouettes

• Fog-filled valleys

 

Best time to visit:
Sunrise for softer light and fewer people.

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Top tips:

• Use wide-angle lenses

• Check weather for mist inversions

• Pack light – steep climbs

Location: Trimpley Reservoir

Best for: Reflections, calm water scenes

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A quiet and often overlooked spot near Wyre Forest, perfect for peaceful landscape shots.

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What to shoot:

• Mirror reflections

• Minimalist compositions

• Autumn colours

 

Best time to visit:
Early morning for still water.

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Top tips:

• Tripod recommended

• Look for symmetry

• Great for long exposures

Location: WWT Slimbridge

 

Best for: Birds, controlled wildlife photography

Run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge offers excellent access to birdlife.

 

What to shoot:

• Swans at sunrise

• Flamingos and exotic species

• Flight shots

 

Best time to visit:
Winter mornings for mist and swan activity.

 

Top tips:

• Arrive at opening

• Use hides for close shots

• Fast shutter for flight

Location: Shrewsbury Prison
 

Best for: Urban, architectural, moody interiors

A unique indoor location full of texture, symmetry, and atmosphere.

 

What to shoot:

• Leading lines in corridors

• Cell block symmetry

• Low-light moody scenes

 

Best time to visit:
Any time – indoor controlled environment.

 

Top tips:

• Wide-angle lens essential

• Shoot in RAW for low light

• Use shadows creatively

Location: Four Waterfalls Walk

 

Best for: Waterfalls, long exposures

One of the best waterfall routes in the UK, featuring multiple dramatic falls.

 

What to shoot:

• Long exposure silky water

• Forest compositions

• Waterfall framing

 

Best time to visit:
After rainfall for strong flow.

 

Top tips:

• Bring ND filters

• Wear proper footwear

• Tripod essential

Location: Skomer Island

 

Best for: Puffins, seabirds, coastal wildlife

Skomer is a bucket-list wildlife location, famous for its incredibly approachable puffins.

 

What to shoot:

• Puffins at close range

• Razorbills, guillemots

• Dramatic coastal cliffs

 

Best time to visit:
Late April to July for puffins.

 

Top tips:

• Wide lenses work surprisingly well here

• Stay low for eye-level puffin shots

• Book ferry in advance

Location: Manorbier Castle

 

Best for: Coastal landscapes, historic architecture

A stunning combination of castle and coastline.

 

What to shoot:

• Castle overlooking the bay

• Sunset seascapes

• Waves and cliffs

 

Best time to visit:
Sunset for golden light over the sea.

 

Top tips:

• Use foreground interest

• Check tide times

• Wide-angle works best

Location: Carew Castle and Tidal Mill

 

Best for: Reflections, historic landscapes

A fantastic location for mirror-like reflections when the tide is right.

 

What to shoot:

• Castle reflections

• Tidal mill compositions

• Long exposures at dusk

 

Best time to visit:
High tide at sunset.

 

Top tips:

• Check tide times carefully

• Tripod recommended

• Shoot symmetrical compositions