I spent the day at Staffordshire Wildlife Hides – Teddesley Park in Staffordshire. This is the second visit to the Kingfisher hide I’ve been on so far.
Quick Overview
📍 Location: Teddesley Park, Staffordshire
🌿 Habitat Type: Open field
🎯 Target Species: Kingfisher
📅 Best Season: All year round
🕒 Best Time of Day: All day
💰 Cost: £100 each
📅 Booking Required: Yes
👥 Max Photographers: 2
🔗 Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555918310793
What Makes This Hide Unique?
The Kingfisher Hide is one of the best and most comfortable hides I have been in. Tim set this up for himself to photograph the Kingfishers in his lake, he was persuaded to let this out to the public which is great. The hide is setup like a log cabin. There is tea and coffee facilities with mains electric, comfortable massage seats, electric fire and lodge décor. It is a great hide both for comfort and the Kingfishers.
The hide can seat 2 people with room for your gear. Gimbal bases are provided for both spaces. The hide is located within the private grounds of Teddesley Park next to the lake. There are parking spaces available and is a short walk from them.
Setup & Shooting Conditions
Distance to Subjects
- Minimum focal length: 200mm
- Ideal focal length: 300mm to 600mm
- Kingfishers.
Background Quality
- Clean / natural / busy? The background is the lake.
- Artificial perches? The perches are mainly mossy branches, although you are allowed to bring your own or change them around to what is there.
Species You Can Expect
Regular Sightings
- Kingfishers
- Heron, ducks, grey wagtail and moorhens are also on the lake
My Experience
- What surprised you?
The comfort of the hide and activity of the birds. - What frustrated you?
Nothing with the hide or birds. - Did the activity match expectations? Yes, plenty of action.
- Was it worth the price?
Yes it was worth the price, £100 per person for all day.
Camera Settings & Gear I Used
Body: Nikon Z8 & Nikon Z6 (for low down diving shots)
Lens: Nikon Nikkor 180-600mm & Tamron 70-300mm
Support (tripod/beanbag): Gimbal head was my own & the bases are provided
Typical Settings I use:
- Shutter speed: Varies depending on static or flight shots
- Aperture: F5.6
- ISO range: 640
Who Is This Hide Best For?
✔ Beginners
✔ Advanced wildlife photographers
✔ Behaviour shooters
✖ Landscape photographers
✖ Portrait shooters
Tips If You’re Visiting
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to meet Tim so he can take you to the hide.
- Bring camera & lenses, spare batteries, warm clothes for winter, food and drink.
- Stay in the hide if the kingfishers are on the perches. You are allowed to change the perches.
- Check start times on the email/message you receive before arrival.
Final Verdict – Would I Return?
- Is it worth the money?
Yes worth the money, I would return. - Is it worth travelling for?
It is about 2hrs for me from West Yorkshire, but it is local to my Father so I stayed nearby in the Rugeley Premier Inn. - Would you recommend it?
Yes.
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