The resumption of the Tom's Tours will be at at East Wretham Heath. Although this is a nature reserve owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust this is NOT a Wildlife and Nature shoot and has been chosen because the site offers a wide variety of opportunities for photographers and with its wide open spaces is an ideal location whilst social distancing is still in force.
Parts of the site were ploughed during the Second World War and subsequently farmed, but careful management and controlled grazing, in particular by the site’s numerous rabbits, have restored the open heath habitat. Today, the short, close-cropped grassland is home to many rare species of plant and insect, as well as scarce breeding birds including woodlark and redstart; stone curlews are also seen occasionally.
Among the site’s other interesting features are its meres. Two of these, Langmere and Ringmere, have fluctuating water levels fed by rising ground water and sometimes dry up altogether. A hide overlooks Langmere, with additional viewing shelters at Fenmere and Ringmere; numerous waterbirds can be found on these during higher water levels (the site can be dry for years) with migrating wading birds, ducks and geese in spring and autumn, as well as many interesting aquatic invertebrates. As well as rabbits, the reserve also supports a number of other mammals including stoats and roe and muntjac deer.
The reserve also contains an old plantation of Scot’s Pine planted at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. These ancient gnarled trees contrast heavily with the regular plantations of Thetford Forest. Old trees sometimes fall and these are left to rot, making for some more abstract compositions and a home for many insects which attract great spotted woodpeckers.
All in all great opportunities for everyone whether you wish to shoot nature, landscapes, the forest or seek out some more abstract images. In addition, it is a great location to just meet up and go for a leisurely stroll in the countryside.
Instructions for members joining the shoot
Leave Thetford on the A1075 heading northeast towards Watton. After 5km (3 miles) turn left into the FREE nature reserve car park.
When you arrive at the car park please stay near your car and maintain a social distance of at least 2m from other NDPS members/people. When everyone has arrived we shall divide into smaller group and then head off on the shoot. Please observe social distancing rules whilst in your group and maintain a minimum distance of not less than 25 metres between each group at all times. Everyone must stay in their group throughout the shoot and not join another group for any reason.
Prior to attending the shoot, members are recommended to research the location, so they are aware of terrain and likely weather conditions at the time of the shoot. In the case of coastal locations members should also make themselves aware of the estimated times of high tides.
It is solely the members responsibility to make sure they are wearing the appropriate clothing (including protection from bad weather) and footwear.
Members are solely responsible for the security and safety of their own photographic equipment during the shoot.
Additional safety guidance and covid safe guidance is also available to download from the Members’ Area of the Society’s website
AERIAL VIEW OF EAST WRETHAM HEATH - image by Mike Page
About Tom’s Tours
Tom (Chairman of NDPS) regularly organises (at least once a month) shoots at locations that are of interest to photographers but in addition are often difficult to successfully capture either because getting good images is not possible without exclusive access as they are not normally open to the general public or because in normal circumstances photography is not allowed.
About Norwich & District Photographic Society
With roots that can be traced back to the middle of the nineteenth century Norwich & District Photographic Society (NDPS) is one of the oldest photographic societies in the country. The annual season has something for everyone being jam-packed with fantastic presentations from accomplished photographers, practical workshops and tutorials, field trips, special interest groups, the usual photographic competitions and much more..
Please note:
Don’t forget to check the arrangements before setting out if there has been extreme weather overnight.