Ive read the all the legal stuff about public access etc etc, and am still none the wiser.
For the last 12 months ive pretty well stuck to Defined Nature Reserves and public places, but although i do see a bit of wildlife, getting disturbed by dog walkers, child walkers and walkers in general really isnt ideal.
Im a bit tentitive to venturing off the well worn public parks in search of a nice spot to set up my hide and sit and wait from dawn till dusk, with fear of either getting shot at or mauled a rottweilers for trespass.
obviously i wont be marching through a farmers crop, but i see all these little ponds on google map in my area and think to myself that would be a great place to set up.
so how have you found your little natural hotspots and has anyone encountered any grief?
Find out who owns the land and ring them up or knock on their door. Everyone I've spoken to about this has been more than helpful. they are usually interested in the wildlife on their land and know the best places to find them. Barn owls, little owls, kingfishers, dippers, deer, badgers... all within 20 miles of where I am and all found through local knowledge.
A friend once said forgiveness is often more easily acquired than permission. In the case of trespassing though, a little courtesy goes a long way.
I agree find the landowner and contact them, although I would not do it for a while as the harvest is in full swing and most farmers are very very busy.
When you do got to the landowner, take with you some pictures that you have already done to show them the sort of thing you want and then give them some mounted prints as a thank you. I find that works quite well though I have to say I still find 'cold calling' a bit daunting so good luck.
With landowners it is key that you do isolate a particular spot where you would like to be as they rarely just give you open access to all of their land for business operational reasons.
If you isolate the spot, define your interest in that spot, show your work and then offer tham something in return you should get some success.
One point, it is possibly a land owners busiest time of year at the moment so, if it where me, I would hold off contacting them until mid October and plan ahead for next year.
Discussion
5 repliesFor the last 12 months ive pretty well stuck to Defined Nature Reserves and public places, but although i do see a bit of wildlife, getting disturbed by dog walkers, child walkers and walkers in general really isnt ideal.
Im a bit tentitive to venturing off the well worn public parks in search of a nice spot to set up my hide and sit and wait from dawn till dusk, with fear of either getting shot at or mauled a rottweilers for trespass.
obviously i wont be marching through a farmers crop, but i see all these little ponds on google map in my area and think to myself that would be a great place to set up.
so how have you found your little natural hotspots and has anyone encountered any grief?
thx
A friend once said forgiveness is often more easily acquired than permission. In the case of trespassing though, a little courtesy goes a long way.
Good luck,
Chris
I agree find the landowner and contact them, although I would not do it for a while as the harvest is in full swing and most farmers are very very busy.
Regards
Rob
With landowners it is key that you do isolate a particular spot where you would like to be as they rarely just give you open access to all of their land for business operational reasons.
If you isolate the spot, define your interest in that spot, show your work and then offer tham something in return you should get some success.
One point, it is possibly a land owners busiest time of year at the moment so, if it where me, I would hold off contacting them until mid October and plan ahead for next year.
T