Best Outdoor Wildlife Cameras To Buy For Your Garden

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Sales of outdoor wildlife cameras have boomed in recent years — perhaps down to popular television programmes like Springwatch or the surging interest in wildlife conservation and the great outdoors, courtesy of the 2020 lockdown.

"Wildlife cameras are an incredible way to bring wildlife closer to us and deepen our understanding and connection with wild animals which are often rare to spot," Forestry England, who care for more than 1,500 English forests, told Country Living. "The video and pictures show fascinating animal behaviour and help people engage with and understand species better.”

Wildlife cameras can be used in both private gardens and on public land (although it’s best to avoid areas you’re likely to capture people on camera for privacy reasons). They can also help children learn about local species and the importance of protecting them.

garden hedgehog enjoying a plate of mealwormspinterest

Andrew Thomas//Getty Images

How to set up a wildlife camera

  • Ensure the camera is charged and has enough memory to capture new images and videos.
  • When choosing a spot, think about what animal you are likely to see and the best height and position for the camera. Ideally, place it around the eye level of your intended subject.
  • Set the device up on a sturdy tree or fence in a clear area — waving plants and branches may trigger it. Make sure it’s secure so it won’t get knocked over or moved in bad weather
  • Do not risk disturbing or harming animals by putting the camera too close.
  • Be very careful not to damage the habitat, flora or fauna when putting the camera out.
  • Collect the camera during the day so you’re less likely to disturb nocturnal animals like badgers and foxes.

Tom Hibbert, content officer at The Wildlife Trusts, stressed the importance of not disturbing animals you’re trying to film. “Their welfare should always come first,” he said. “The more you know about your intended subject before you place your camera, the less likely you are to disturb it — and the more likely you are to get quality photos or footage.”

It’s important to familiarise yourself with wildlife legislation as well, Tom says. For example, you can’t put a camera in a bird's nest if there are eggs or chicks in it, as it could lead to abandonment. It’s also a criminal offence to interfere with some animals, including nesting barn owls and badgers.

What else to consider before putting up a wildlife camera

  • Anyone wanting to use wildlife cameras in their woodlands should contact their local forestry district to discuss their plans first.
  • If you plan to use the camera on private land that is not your own, seek the landowner’s permission first.
  • If you plan to use the camera on public land, ensure that no-one's privacy will be compromised.

The best wildlife cameras for the garden

On SaleGardePro Wildlife Camera
GardePro Wildlife Camera

Now 40% Off

Wildlife camera features:

- 24MP photo/H.264 1296P video resolution with sound
- 0.1s trigger speed
- 2.4” high-resolution colour screen
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)
- Waterproof

On SaleCEYOMUR 20MP 1080P Trail Camera
CEYOMUR 20MP 1080P Trail Camera

Now 18% Off

Wildlife camera features:
- 20MP photos/1080P video resolution
- 36pcs IR LEDs
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof

On SaleCEYOMUR Solar Wildlife Camera
CEYOMUR Solar Wildlife Camera

Now 14% Off

Wildlife camera features:
- 40MP photo resolution
- Solar powered - dual power supply
- WiFi/bluetooth
- 120 degree detection angle
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof
- U3 32GB Micro SD Card

Campark TC06 Trail Camera
Campark TC06 Trail Camera

Wildlife camera features:
- 60MP photo/4k video resolution
- 0.1s trigger speed
- Wifi/bluetooth
- 120 degree detection angle
- IP66 waterproof
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)

Voopeak Wildlife Camera
Voopeak Wildlife Camera

Wildlife camera features:
- 24MP image/1080P video resolution
- 0.1s trigger speed
- Solar powered/dual power supply
- Built-in a 2500mAh rechargeable battery
- Night vision
- IP66 waterproof, rain, dust, and fog resistant
- 256GB SD Card

On Saleusogood Wildlife Camera
usogood Wildlife Camera

Now 38% Off

Wildlife camera features:
- 48MP photo/4K video resolution
- 0.3 trigger speed
- 120 degree adjustable angle
- 36pcs 850nm low glow IR LEDs for night vision
- WiFi/bluetooth
- IP66 waterproof

Spypoint Force-DARK
Spypoint Force-DARK

Wildlife camera features:
- 12MP camera resolution
- 0.07s trigger speed
- Up to 33.5m detection range
- Burst Mode 1-9 images per triggering

Denver WCT-8020W Wildlife Camera
Denver WCT-8020W Wildlife Camera

Wildlife camera features:
- 1080P video resolution
- 8mpixel CMOS sensor with 2.0" LCD screen
- Splash proof IP65 standard
- 108 degree sight angle
- Automatic IR lights to capture photos at night
- Wi-Fi function (30 meters distance connection and APP available)

Solognac Wildlife Camera
Solognac Wildlife Camera

Wildlife camera features:
- 12MP photos/1280x720P video resolution
- 1s trigger speed
- Motion detection at distances of up to 10m
- 940 nm invisible flash for night vision
- 16 GB SD card included

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