09/08/2026
We welcome visitors to the Avalon Marshes, and we love seeing the enthusiasm, patience, and care that so many visitors bring to capturing photos of and celebrating the unique wildlife here. However, we ask everyone watching and photographing wildlife to follow recognised codes of conduct and to always put the welfare of the subject first.
Wildlife can be easily disturbed, even by well-intentioned observers, so please keep a respectful distance, use appropriate binoculars/scopes or lenses rather than moving closer, avoid repeatedly approaching or following animals, blocking an animal’s route and never encourage behaviour that could cause stress, disturbance, or harm. If an animal becomes alert, distressed or changes its behaviour because of your presence, please move away carefully.
Please take extra care around all breeding birds, nests, and young wildlife at this time of year. The nests and eggs of all wild birds are protected by law while a nest is being built or is in use. Please be aware that some protected species have additional legal protections and conservation considerations. Schedule 1 birds, such as Barn Owls, are specially protected against intentional or reckless disturbance while they are building a nest, while they are at a nest containing eggs or young, and from disturbance of their dependent young.
Please do not use recorded calls, bait, food or other methods to attract wildlife, and do not cut, move or damage vegetation for clearer views or to attract wildlife closer. Precise locations of nests, roosts and other sensitive wildlife sites should not be published or shared publicly.
It is required that anyone wishing to photograph schedule 1 species at or near a breeding site where there is any risk of disturbance, should obtain the appropriate statutory licence. If photography is to take place on private land, written landowner consent must be obtained before doing so. The use of drones, placing unattended cameras or other unattended equipment is not permitted on the Avalon Marshes Reserves without written permission from the relevant Site Manager.
By following the correct guidance, giving wildlife the space it needs, and respecting sensitive habitats found across the Avalon Marshes, visitors play a valuable role in helping people appreciate and protect nature - and we warmly welcome those who share that commitment.
The Royal Photographic Society has produced a useful Nature Photographers' Code of Conduct. It gives guidance around photographing nature and highlights the laws which applies.
The link to the code can be found here:https://rps.org/media/1xcnsuga/the-nature-photographers-code-of-practice.pdf
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