Red Grouse Photography Workshop

Red Grouse Photography Workshop – Derbyshire, Peak District.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and heather-clad moorlands of the Peak District National Park lives an iconic moorland specialist – the Red Grouse. With its fiery plumage and distinctive call echoing across the expansive landscape, this striking bird epitomises the spirit of the National Park. Strutting proudly across the heather-strewn hillsides, these feisty birds thrive in their challenging terrain and ever-changing weather conditions.

Join me on a red grouse photography workshop to see these iconic upland birds on the stunning moorlands of the Peak District.

Habitat and Ecology

Red grouse  (Lagopus lagopus scotica) are found on open moorland in the upland areas of the British Isles. Highly competitive birds, the males compete primarily for areas of moorland rich in heather and bilberry bushes, ideal sites in which the female will produce a nest scrape for her eggs.

The moorlands of the Peak District provide the perfect habitat for Red Grouse, offering a rich tapestry of heather, grasses, and shrubs upon which they rely for food and shelter. These birds are well adapted to the harsh upland environment, with their cryptic plumage providing camouflage against the rocky outcrops and bracken-covered slopes.

Conservation Challenges

Despite their tenacity, Red Grouse face numerous challenges in the modern world. Habitat degradation caused by overgrazing and drainage issues threatens the delicate balance of the moorland ecosystem upon which they depend. 

You can find an extensive gallery of my red grouse images here.

Red Grouse Photography Workshop - Peak District HeatherRed Grouse Photography Workshop - Peak District HeatherRed Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.Red Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.Red Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National ParkRed Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.Red Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.

Fitness difficulty:

Easy to Moderate

Potentially long walks along uneven boggy ground.

Availability:

August - April

January

December

Please note this workshop does not run during the nesting season (May-July)

Pricing

6

Full Day Workshop

6 hours // £80 deposit

£220

1-2-1 Workshop

£180

1-2 Workshop (per participant)

4

4 hours // £60 deposit

£155

1-2-1 Workshop

£120

1-2 Workshop (per participant)

Reduced or extended workshops are available on request.

Red Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.
Red Grouse Photography Workshop, Peak District National Park.

What Do My Guests Think?

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I spent a beautiful evening in the Peak District photographing Red Grouse with Francis.  What was really special about this session was how I connected with my main subject, “Famous” the Red Grouse. Over a period of time, Francis has habituated him so that he was going about his usual business, completely at ease with our presence. During the session I felt that I was getting to know a unique individual bird that was full of character. For me the photography was almost a bonus! Francis’ intimate knowledge of Famous’ behaviour and the surroundings helped me to get images that I would otherwise not have got. I have been a keen wildlife photographer for many years, but I still managed to pick up some very useful technical tips from Francis.  We also had some interesting conversations about wildlife, photography and equipment.  Francis’ friendly, easy-going and accommodating personality made it all the more enjoyable. I intend to arrange more workshops with Francis hopefully in the near future.

 

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What can you expect?

As an award-winning professional photographer with extensive local knowledge, I run all of my photography workshops personally. My aim is simple; to inspire and encourage you to take your photography to the next level whilst taking in some of the finest wildlife and scenery the UK has to offer. 

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to capture a range of images, from portraits and silhouettes to action shots and behavioural photographs. My red grouse photography workshops will show you how to capture a stunning portfolio of images of these iconic moorland birds. 

The welfare of the subject is of utmost importance in all my wildlife photography workshops. I will teach you the essential fieldcraft skills required to get close and capture stunning images without causing stress or disturbance. 

Recommended equipment

  • DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera
  • A 500mm+ lens or 300mm with teleconverters is ideal (or equivalent on crop/bridge camera).   
  • There may also be opportunities for landscape photography, so a wide angle or standard zoom lens and a sturdy tripod are recommended. 

Additional information

  • Due to the nature of the location we may be walking up steep inclines and across rough boggy terrain to get close to the grouse.  Waterproof walking boots are essential and waterproof clothing is strongly recommended. 
  • Camouflage is not essential for this workshop, however neutral colours – browns and greens are advisable.

Please visit the FAQ’s section for more information on what to bring.

Red Grouse Photography Workshop
Snowy Red Grouse. Close up portrait of a male red grouse covered in falling snowflakes, Derbyshire, Peak District National Park. This image was taken as part of an ongoing long term red grouse project. Grouse are often very flighty and nervous, but after spending so much time with the same birds, many of the grouse have become so relaxed that I am able to capture more natural behaviours and a range of unusual images.