The Hide is FINISHED- Dream Wildlife Photography Hide - First Session

[@richardchew1767]

Bloody hell Simon! That is some retirement transition from the Fire and Rescue Service to a rural idyll and wildlife photography. Excellent to see that all your hard graft in constructing your wildlife hide has reached a conclusion 🙂 Now enjoy the rewards 🙂

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard, yes its a welcome change. A bit of me time!!👍🏼📷

[@russellwebb3672]

Nice retirement venture, good luck with it. You did ask for suggestions so after having three two man popup hides at different woodlands over 4 years the best thing we did was remove all but two feeders when in the hides this made birds have to sit and wait there turn, also found small birds on big logs/branches in our opinion just did not look right, as you said bird on a stick. Another thing we found was having to many perches became a problem as you don't no where birds will land so you jump the lens around trying to get the shot, lastly the scrim you are using was like ours and we found cutting a slit up the center a better option than ruffling it up as the creases it causes can restrict your viewing at times. Just the way found worked best. Russ.

[@simoneardley]

Valuable advice Russ, thanks. Its a fine line between have the setup a bit sterile and took many perches. Time will tell if i've got it right, thanks for the tips 👍🏼📷

[@iainscott1289]

From a fellow emergency worker retiree, enjoy your retirement Simon, you've done your bit. Photography what better way to enjoy that retirement. Brilliant📷

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Iain, yeh its not a bad way to retire is it 📷👌🏼

[@ollenilssonen]

Great work on the hide, it looks brilliant! Very inspiring to see!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Olle, great when a plan comes together !!👊🏼👌🏼📷

[@Gazzab6]

I’ve really enjoyed watching your progress since you moved to Wales the series of videos on the hide building has been absolutely brilliant. When you came to Lancaster, I was chatting to your two mates and they said you can turn your hand to anything and they weren’t wrong. All that graft has certainly paid off and the hide and location has been well thought out - the side lighting in your images was fantastic. I’d definitely be interested in having a session in the hide if I’m down in Wales so I will keep an eye out for the website. I hope you are enjoying the new lifestyle in your retirement Simon. You may lose a bit of the social aspect but will certainly appreciate being able to do a lot of things when you want. Take care and all the best.

[@daveswann2559]

absolutely fantastic setup, can't wait to visit and meet you enjoy your retirement all the best

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Dave, get yourself booked in !!😃👊🏼

[@peacockmick2]

Congratulations hope you have a long and happy retirement, fantastic set up Simon

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mick 👊🏼👍🏼

[@fabbriart]

Hi Simon, hope you're well.... Luv the Hide.... Enjoy!

[@simoneardley]

Very well thanks 👊🏼

[@johnfielding272]

Fantastic result Si! Another beautiful piece of woodwork. Hope to come over soon to see the tawnies. My buzzards have returned, and are feeding well on the carrion, and posing on my perches. All the best for retirement!

[@simoneardley]

Brilliant John, patience paid off in the end eh!! Catch ya soon, Si 👍🏼📷

[@CliveWooton]

Looks amazing you've worked so hard can't wait to come up and see you . Could watch you all day ,so interesting have fun .clive

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Clive 👍🏼

[@gtilford60]

Put a post out beyond your photo area where you can set up a pulley system like a clothesline with one stationary hook close to the far end and another hook or two that you can put a couple more feeders on so that you can pull it in to refil then send the full feeders back out put just above your photo props so they will not be seen in your photos hence saving yourself a few steps each time you fill your feeders otherwise fantastic setup

Congratulations! Amazing work!

[@adam19791979]

Looks fantastic - cant wait to visit when I am up that way next.

[@alanarmer8069]

Brilliantly job Simon ,thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alan, youre welcome 👍🏼

[@rdallen9211]

Congratulations on your recent retirement! Also, thank you so much for sharing your Birding and Wildlife photography experience. Very inspirational. I've subscribed to your channel and can't wait to see more of your content. THANK YOU!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the sub and welcome along👍🏼👊🏼

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Thank you so much, Simon, for all the work you have done and for sharing it with us. I hope your operation is as successful as you want it to be. I'm looking forward to future posts.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Clifton

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Brilliant job Simon going to get some great photos there love the woodpecker 👏👏ps enjoy your retirement 😉

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, gotta love a woodpecker 👌🏼📷

[@kevkenyon1117]

Chuffed to bit for you , hide looks awesome. Enjoy your retirement & becoming a man of leisure 😂👍✊✊

[@simoneardley]

Haha, man of leisure!!!! 🤣🤣👍🏼 Cheers Kev

[@StephenBrooks-e9m]

The very best of luck with your new adventure. I will definitely be visiting in the near future.

[@chrisgrayson353]

Phenomenal work Simon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chris👍🏼

[@stehol-Stormforce]

Great project and set up, get the badgers in mate

[@bartvermeiren3680]

Good luck with the hide! Looks good 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers 👍🏼

[@user-stupotts]

Looks fantastic, well done.

[@Mother4kerr]

just FANTASTIC

[@masterhall1685]

Congratulations on your retirement, Simon! I became a pensioner myself this summer and I understand you very well. I also like to stay in the nearest forest by the feeders and take pictures of birds and squirrels. But it doesn't work out to do it in the amount that we would like - things distract. This is how our life is arranged, that things do not stop with retirement. Good luck and development to your shelter!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks very much, I've never been as busy!!🤣🤣

[@mikewilliams4628]

Congrats on completing the hide. Thank you for showing how you built it. It turned out wonderfully!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mike

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

Looks absolutely fantastic mate. Can’t wait to visit!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy, the camera perches are working a treat !!👌🏼📷

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

@@simoneardleyreally pleased to hear it mate. Will be visiting asap!

[@wiseowlphotography7275]

Since my own retirement I've learned a lot about wildlife photography from your excellent videos and the super job on your fantastic hide Simon, what a beautiful location you now enjoy (nearly as good as North Yorkshire!).

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much!🤣👊🏼

[@smiffy5467]

Congratulations Simon may you have a long and prosperous retirement… That looks to be a fantastic setup, great job.. 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Smiffy

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

Brilliant hope to see you soon

[@DaveKitson-s5c]

From one Firefighter to another...top notch matey.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Dave 👊🔥

[@paulbaker7945]

Thats just brilliant Simon, l remember your first hide in your old shed you built. Slightly better this one! ( I've cut an opening in my wood shed door, with so me scrim, can do 3 hours while the wife is shopping , damn cold though this time of year!) Look forward to getting up there.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, yeh this ones a bit of an upgrade to say the least. Thanks for watching 👀👊🏼

[@StephenBrooks-e9m]

Great setup Simon.

[@sophielouiserugby7]

It looks just stunning, how special to have that at home & am sure you will have a long list of bookings. Just love it & enjoy lots from all your hard work.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sophie😀

[@raytaylor3090]

Congratulations on your new home from home Simon. Looks great mate

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ray 😃

[@Terrytheartist]

Wow! I didn’t expect anything less tbh Simon, throughout the whole of this build series it’s not been hard to see how meticulous you are in your work, a fantastic hide with a multitude of perches for different compositions and angles, I’ve no doubt that you’re going to get plenty of visitors in the coming months and years, and yup a professional wildlife photographer is what you are now! I spent my last 8 of work b4 retiring as a professional wildlife artist and there’s no greater feeling than working for yourself doing what you love, all the best to you and retirement and the future 👍📷🦅

[@klaustomasini]

Congrats, well done. low level would a birth path be fantastic.

[@robertlawrence7958]

Congrats Simon. You certainly have an eye for detail and a good work ethic. I'm certain that your hard work will pay dividends. All the best.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Robert, you get out what you put in hopefully!!😃👌🏼

[@Pseagust]

Congratulations on retiring and another great video.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Phil

[@steviebye1]

Superb mate, I really hope I can get up for a visit. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves over the different seasons.

[@simoneardley]

Look forward to it Stevie, yeh love seeing the change in seasons!!👌🏼

[@garywebster8355]

Well done Simon. Will come down one day for a session. 📷👍

[@pathogan4854]

Brilliant result very best of Luck ! Il but it on my Bucket list who knows we could be having a cuppa and a fig roll next year !! looking forward to the website.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching Pat 👀👍🏼

[@debbiewitt7028]

Beautiful work Simon I always get inspired while watching your videos. Thank you for your service and congratulations on your full time retirement 🎉

[@simoneardley]

Thank you so much Debbie😀

[@carlhughes7003]

Regarding bird seed, if you have a B&M near you they do decent prices on sunflower hearts.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Carl 👍🏼

[@Philsphotos988]

Welcome to the retirement club Simon. Great job on the hide, it looks fantastic although not sure how I would cope as I don't like fig rolls ! 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Phil, other biscuits are available!!🤣🤣

[@frikartii]

For acorns, look up mast years on Oak trees, that will explain your lack of acorns. The hide is looking great, good luck with it.

[@1evertonfc100]

Looks awsome

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Awesome stuff Simon! Looks like a great hide you've got setup! Hope the hard work pays off with many hours of great shooting!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Tom, here's hoping mate. Just a nice place to go and chill for a few hours. If ever youre up this way give me a shout 👊🏼📷

[@keithgrafton5006]

What a great set up!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Keith

[@woodymeristem2223]

That's too beautiful to be a mere hide (blind to us in the U.S.), very well done sir. Congratulations.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you like it!

[@satcat]

Love it Simon. especially the hand rail.. Nice touch..hope i can get invited soon..and Email sent..cheers Den

[@junerobinson8169]

Cracking video, love where you live. Lovely photos, and the hide looks lovely well done to you 🎉. I had a problem with the squirrels and had to spend money on the squirrel proof ones they have worked but now they eat the square shaped suet blocks so I can’t win at the moment..😂😂😂 as I can’t find any squirrel proof ones , but I live in hope. See you next time😊😊

[@simoneardley]

Thanks June, its an ongoing battle with them !!😳

[@PaulFisher-m2k]

Never watched many tube videos but really enjoying catching up on yours. My mum had a caravan for years at Four Crosses. Nyger attracted Siskin and Redpoll between Feb and April most years, with Goldfinch all year, might be worth a feeder🤔.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh not too far from us Paul, I'll give it a try!!👍🏼

[@PaulFisher-m2k]

@@simoneardley apparently yellow feeders work better🤔

[@tsee123]

This is so great, you've done an amazing job with the blind and feeder set up - I'd be very cautious with a wire to hang feeders - unless extremely visible you can have birds injure themselves by flying into a wire they don't see

[@simoneardley]

Thanks mate, yeh were leaving the feeders as they are. No wires going up!!👍🏼

[@IngolfurDavid]

Awesome work

[@Richard-c6u1i]

That said.. fabulous hide. Bravo.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard👍🏼

[@leemanton3169]

The hide looks amazing, Simon, and you have a truly amazing setup there at your humble abode. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to come and use your hide in the future. In my experience of hanging feeders from a line, it doesn't stop the squirrels.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Lee, yeh I'm keeping them as they are!!👍🏼

[@kevinturnbull5724]

Cracking job with the hide and set up Simon,great idea to build the dry stone wall,happy retirement,enjoy

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Kevin 👊🏼👍🏼

[@andymcdonagh8415]

Outstanding really well done. I would defo take a trip there to photograph looks amazing 📷📷😎

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy👍🏼

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Brilliant video and hide long and happy retirement just like me done our bit for the community enjoy the wildlife and your photography 👍🏻👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Dave, great to get my weekends back finally!!🤣👍🏼

[@jspbjmflyn1921]

Hi Simon. well done to you on completing the hide you must very proud of your achievements well deserved. really enjoy your films thanks again 👋👍👏👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, chuffed with how its worked out. Worth all the graft👍🏼📷

[@chrisa5542]

Looks fantastic Simon. Maybe we can visit the hide sometime in the future!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chrisa5542👍🏼

[@Harmonrok]

Simon, your hard work has paid off and I look forward to seeing more of your fantastic nature Vlogs. Also, congratulations on your retirement and boy what a retirement its going to be. Hope to get down to take some fab pics in the future and to meet you very soon. Shaun

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Shaun, aye get yourself down here. Its a grand spot👍🏼

[@boblaird8475]

Absolutely fantastic well done. This would be my idea of a fantastic holiday

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Bob 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@colinhuon5908]

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service. Also a big "Thank you" to your wife, (I am assuming it is your wife?), for following you about with the video camera. She does an excellent job. Thank you for your videos which I really enjoy watching from Australia.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Colin, i'll be sure to pass on your compliments. She does a great job 👌🏼🎥

[@Rob.1340]

Brilliant, fantastic set up. Wishing you all the very best in your homestead and wildlife future. Well deserved. 👍👍📷😎

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rob 👍🏼

[@bakerlinden]

Awesome hide set up…marvellous watching you construct. Squirrels are abundant in my feed area and I’ve spent a small fortune on feeders over the years to deter them and I’ve found the best way to keep them of my feeders is to provide peanuts in designated squirrel feeders spotted around the feed area and this provides them with a snack whilst leaving the bird feed and feeders alone…mostly. Hanging a wire isn’t maybe the best idea for hanging feeders…Birds and Owls will hit the wire and that won’t end well for bird😢 Fantastic setup you have and definitely added to my bucket list of places to visit someday soon…well done and the best of luck with your new venture 🙏🏻

[@simoneardley]

Cheers, yeh were leaving the feeders as they are. I wish they were Red and not Grey!! 🤣🤣📷

[@russrichards]

Cracking job on that hide Simon! Wishing you lots of luck with it. 👏👏👏😊

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Russ 👍🏼

[@paulcbennettphotography7959]

Another great watch mate and the hide looks bloody brilliant 👌👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Paul 👍🏼

[@nigelfrance6077]

Thank you for all your hard work. The photos are great once again and I really enjoyed all you videos looking forward to the next one

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching Nigel 👍🏼

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

I’m impressed, useful ideas, good photography, well presented 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Roger 👍🏼

[@JohnTomasella]

May I suggest a sturdy lidded container for the food when the hide is not in use. If not, you may get some unwanted visitors.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh theyre going to be stored in food barrels John.

[@picturepowerphotography1126]

well done, amazing job and great to see a hide with low level windows, tremendous footage and great work on the intro. hopefully I'll see you soon in there

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that, the low down windows make a real difference 👀👍🏼

[@philipwatson2443]

will have to make plans next time i have to go up north.

[@mongoose9594]

I bet you’ve got a months supply of fig rolls in that rucksack Simon!!! Excellent results for all your hard graft, brilliant!!!

[@simoneardley]

Only 3 weeks I'm afraid!!😂

[@hernanifidalgo60]

Congratulations from Portugal, it is a superb hide!

[@simoneardley]

Ta very much 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DavidJohnBlackwell]

Great videos Simon and like you I’m now retired and enjoying my wildlife photography so I will be in touch.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one David, I've not had a minute!!🤣🤣

[@Henry30065]

Good range of bird species and magnificent inaugural images and film. Your hard work is already paying off Simon.👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Henry, getting there.

[@heilandgunner]

Happy retirement, SImon. You're living the dream, mate. Looks like a fantastic set up.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for taking the time to watch 👍

[@malcolmfarley1958]

Great video as always, I've followed you for some time now way before you started your new home project, And I must say your hard work is starting to pay off the place is looking fantastic, I wish you well with your new Business adventure and wish every success with that, Hopefully you can still make time for some great videos as they are truly great, and keeping it real as you always do, thanks for sharing your venture with us.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Malcolm, oh yes there'll be plenty of films to come

[@alunlambert7456]

Happy retirement Simon, the hide looks amazing, can’t wait to visit you, don’t think you’re that far away from us. Oh yes, and it’s your fault that nearly every time we go sit in a hide a flask and a pack of fig rolls come with us 🤣🤣

[@simoneardley]

King of biscuits Alun!!🤣🤣

[@alunlambert7456]

@@simoneardley absolutely

[@alistairboyd5770]

Nice to see the product of your labours. What a fantastic way to begin your retirement. The very best of luck with your new venture. One request to you.. please keep making the videos. They have inspired myself as well as many others, I am sure. All the best.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alistair, dont worry theres plenty more to come !!🎥👍🏼

[@andrewmcfarlane8271]

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement and your new adventure into the future. It’s all coming together very nicely.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andrew, getting there mate 👍🏼

[@chriswynne505]

Brilliant, fantastic set up. Wishing you all the very best in your homestead and wildlife future. Well deserved.👍👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Chris👍🏼

[@briankirkup]

Brilliant video Simon a cracking hide what a great job you have done. Really enjoyed the video. Take Care. Cheers. B. K

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian and cheers 👍🏼

[@paulpugh6178]

Just superb Simon… enjoy your well earned retirement and hopefully I will get there one day from Belgium. Could do with a steak pie or two and a brew together 👍 regards Paul

[@simoneardley]

Sounds like a plan Paul 👍🏼👌🏼

[@adrian-l1r5e]

great to see it finish well done great shots

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Adrian 😃

[@rogersedgbeer]

Thank you Simon for another great video. The hide looks great and at some point I hopefully will join you for a brew. All the best for your retirement, try not to work too hard 😂

[@simoneardley]

I'll try my best, cheers Roger 👍🏼😃

[@65johnmc]

"Fantastic", great work well done you!!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John

[@royparkes6182]

😂hilarious ……..’lychen’ subscribe…..🤛 brilliant. Wow, opening for business already. What a great job you’ve done of the site, facilities & perch options look great especially as the ground rises away from the hide opening up lots of options for creative shooting & backgrounds………..even the figrolls have got in on the act👍

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers Roy. I was initially a bit skeptical about the slope but as you say it allows a good variety of angles and shots. Coming together nicely 👌🏼📷

[@Sw33ty75]

The hide looks absolutely fantastic Simon all those hours of hard work have definitely paid off. I was wondering if there was going to be a shelf for your fig rolls 😂

[@simoneardley]

Haha, first thing to go in. I built the hide around the shelf!!🤣🤣

[@michaelphibes8386]

Fantastic video and an amazing set up you've created Simon. Well deserved all the success it brings. Superb images at the end. Congratulations on your retirement as well.

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it!! 👍

[@mikephelpswildlifephotography]

Hide looks amazing buddy can’t wait to come down and have a fig roll and natter ☺️👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Michael, we'll sort out a date!!👍🏼

[@fatbusjim]

Great set up & love the film. Will definitely be having a look at the new website with a view to booking a session.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Jim 😀

[@neilbennettphotography5920]

Fantastic Simon and your very close to me I’m in Ruyton XI towns in between Oswestry and Shrewsbury so I’ll definitely be in touch very soon to book a visit.

[@simoneardley]

I know the place Neil but dont know how to pronounce it!!!😂

[@ianmcmichael8799]

Facebook group would be fantastic to show off visitors sightings at the hide. There is a very successful one just outside Dublin. Fantastic hide Simon I think it'll be really successful. I'll be hoping to visit it some weekend

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ian, not a bad idea mate 👍🏼 Look forward to maybe seeing you here 👀📷

[@sue.Hoo123]

Your hide shows your skills as a craftsman, I definitely think scrim over the windows, rather than glass is the better choice too. Looking forward to visiting from Shrewsbury, have emailed 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sue, looking forward to meeting up 📷👍🏼

[@mobilestrike5182]

Great setup. Will be sure to pay you a visit from Anglesey some time but off to California in the morning. Sea otters and humpbacks 🤞🤞 Just one possible thing with the hide. Bolt a couple of flowerpots on the outside when shutters are down. Birds get used to them sticking out and then a lens hood isn’t such a new thing.

[@simoneardley]

Wow, have a great trip. Not jealous!!!🤣🤣 Yeh, done the pot thing, i did it on my last hide. Finishing touches!!👍🏼

[@rlrphotography-uk]

What can I say that hasn't been said. I'm lost for words on your fantastic achievement . My wish is to visit , never been to Wales so looks like now is the time to put you on the Bucket list for 2025. Best wishes ,well done.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the kind wishes and look forward to you visiting Wales. Its a great place 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌🏼

[@alisonandguywildlifephotograph]

Great setup ..well done 👏👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Thank you! Cheers!