Wildlife Cameras

Our easy-to-install wildlife trail cameras can help you capture footage of a variety of native animals, such as hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, rabbits and more. By installing a camera in a suitable position, you can capture natural wildlife behaviour without needing to be outside or disturb the animals.

Our garden wildlife cameras are available with different connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and wired connections. Wi-Fi wildlife cameras allow you to view footage remotely using the Green Feathers app, while wired cameras can connect to a TV, monitor or computer for viewing.

Many wildlife cameras also feature infrared night vision, allowing you to monitor nocturnal visitors after dark. This can be particularly useful for spotting animals such as hedgehogs, badgers and foxes that may rarely be seen during daylight hours.

Trail cameras for wildlife watching

Trail cameras are designed for monitoring wildlife in locations where a permanent wired or Wi-Fi connection isn’t practical. Their portable design and battery power make them suitable for gardens, woodland, fields and other outdoor environments.

Unlike permanently installed wildlife cameras, trail cameras can be positioned wherever you want to monitor animal activity and collected later to view the footage. Many models use motion detection to automatically start recording when an animal passes, while infrared night vision allows them to capture footage after dark.

If you’re looking for trail cameras for sale, consider factors such as battery life, detection range, image quality, night vision and storage when choosing the right model for your needs.

Why choose Green Feathers wildlife cameras? 

Green Feathers specialises in wildlife and bird cameras designed to help you get closer to the wildlife around you. From bird box cameras and hedgehog house cameras to wildlife trail cameras, we have everything possible for your wildlife-watching needs. 

Since our wildlife and trail cameras are designed to be unobtrusive and portable, they’ll capture fantastic footage of natural animal behaviours anywhere you place them – without disturbing any local wildlife. Plus, depending on the model, you can choose from wired, wireless and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as HD and 4K video quality.

What to look for in a wildlife camera

The best wildlife camera for you will depend on where you want to use it and the type of wildlife you want to monitor. Before choosing a camera, consider the following features:

Image and video quality

If you want to identify animals or capture detailed wildlife footage, look for a camera with a suitable HD or 4K resolution. Higher-resolution cameras can provide more detail, particularly when animals are further away from the camera.

Night vision

Many animals that visit UK gardens are most active at night. Infrared night vision allows wildlife cameras and trail cameras to capture footage in low-light conditions without relying on visible light that could disturb the animals.

Connectivity

Think about how you want to access your footage. Wi-Fi wildlife cameras can allow you to view footage remotely, while wired cameras can connect directly to a compatible viewing device. Trail cameras are often designed to work without Wi-Fi, storing footage locally so it can be viewed later.

Power and battery life

For a permanent garden installation, a mains-powered camera can provide a reliable source of power. If you’re monitoring a remote location or want to move your camera between different areas, a battery-powered trail camera may be more suitable.

Weather resistance

Outdoor wildlife cameras need to withstand changing weather conditions. Look for a camera designed for outdoor use and check its weatherproofing specifications before installing it in an exposed location.

Detection and recording

Motion detection can help your camera record when an animal enters its field of view rather than continuously recording. This can reduce unnecessary footage and help conserve storage space and battery power.

How to set up a wildlife camera in your garden

Setting up a wildlife camera depends on the type you have. Trail cameras can be positioned using their mounting system and battery-powered, whereas mains-powered garden wildlife cameras require a little more planning to ensure they can reach a suitable power source. 

Here’s how to set up a wildlife camera in just a few easy-to-follow steps: 

1. Choose your camera location: Look for an area where wildlife naturally passes, such as near a feeding station, hedgehog house, garden path or sheltered area. Avoid positioning the camera directly towards the sun, as this can affect the quality of your footage.
2. Check the power and connectivity: If you’re installing a mains-powered or Wi-Fi wildlife camera, check that the power cable can reach the nearest suitable outlet and that the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough at the installation point.
3. Test the camera: Turn the camera on indoors to make sure it’s working properly, then bring it outside to see whether the viewing angle is right and the area you want to monitor is within the camera’s field of view before installing. 
4. Secure the camera: Attach the camera mount securely to your chosen location. Make sure the camera cannot move easily in the wind or if an animal comes into contact with it.
5. Clear the viewing area: Keep branches, leaves and other vegetation away from the camera’s field of view where possible, as movement from vegetation can interfere with motion detection.
6. Start recording: Once installed, turn the camera on and get ready to capture extraordinary garden wildlife footage. 

Frequently asked questions about wildlife cameras

How do wildlife cameras work?

Wildlife cameras, in their simplest form, are just cameras designed to capture wildlife footage – without causing any disturbance to the animals. They use wired or wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, to transmit the camera footage directly to your device of choice – be that a smartphone, tablet, TV or computer – from wherever you’ve placed them. Trail cameras commonly store footage internally on an SD card, allowing you to retrieve and view it later.

Depending on the model, wildlife cameras and trail cameras can use motion detection to start recording when an animal enters the camera’s field of view, while infrared night vision allows them to capture footage in low-light conditions.

What is the difference between a wildlife camera and a trail camera?

Wildlife cameras is a broad term for cameras designed to monitor animals and capture wildlife footage. Trail cameras are a particular type of wildlife camera designed to be portable and suitable for use in locations without a permanent power or Wi-Fi connection.

For garden monitoring, a mains-powered or Wi-Fi wildlife camera can be a good choice if you want to view footage remotely or continuously monitor a particular area. A trail camera may be more suitable if you want to move your camera around or monitor a location without mains power.

What is the best wildlife camera for a garden?

The best wildlife camera for your garden depends on how you want to monitor wildlife. If you want to check footage remotely from your smartphone, a Wi-Fi wildlife camera can be a convenient option. If you’d prefer to view footage on a TV, monitor or computer, a wired camera may be more suitable.

A trail camera can be a good choice if you want a portable, battery-powered option that can be positioned in different parts of your garden. When comparing cameras, consider image quality, night vision, connectivity, power requirements and the area you want to monitor.

How do I choose a wildlife camera?

Start by considering where you want to install the camera and how you want to access your footage. For permanent garden installations, mains-powered Wi-Fi or wired cameras can provide convenient options for regular monitoring. For more remote or temporary locations, a battery-powered trail camera may be more suitable.

You should also consider video resolution, night vision, motion detection, battery life, storage and weather resistance before choosing a wildlife camera.

How much are wildlife cameras?

Wildlife camera prices vary depending on the type of camera, image quality, connectivity and features included. Basic wildlife cameras can be suitable for simple garden monitoring, while more advanced Wi-Fi and 4K models offer higher-resolution footage and remote viewing. 

Trail cameras can also vary in price depending on battery life, night vision, detection range and storage options. Browse our range of wildlife cameras and trail cameras to compare the available features and find the right option for your needs.

Are wired or Wi-Fi wildlife cameras better?

The best option depends on how you want to use your camera. Wi-Fi wildlife cameras allow you to view your garden footage remotely through the Green Feathers app, making them useful if you want to monitor wildlife while you’re away from home.

Wired wildlife cameras require a physical connection to a TV, monitor or computer to view footage, but they can be a good choice if you prefer watching on a larger screen or don’t have a reliable Wi-Fi connection in your garden.

When installing a Wi-Fi camera, check the strength of your wireless signal at the intended installation point. For longer distances or areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage, a wired camera may provide a more reliable solution.

Do trail cameras need Wi-Fi?

While some trail cameras are Wi-Fi-enabled, it isn’t always needed or a feature that can be used. As many people place trail cameras out in the wild, rather than using them in their garden, it’s unlikely that there will be any Wi-Fi to connect to. Therefore, trail cameras tend to store footage internally, using SD cards, so that you can download and view it at a later time. 

Can trail cameras be used for home security?

Technically, trail cameras can be used to monitor activity around your property because they can detect movement and capture footage. However, they’re primarily designed for wildlife monitoring rather than continuous home security.

If you need 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, alarms or other dedicated security features, a specialist security camera may be more suitable.

Are trail cameras waterproof?

Absolutely! Trail cameras are designed for outdoor use and are built to withstand rain and other outdoor conditions. However, the level of weather resistance can vary between models, so always check the specifications of your chosen camera before installation.

Positioning your trail camera in a sheltered location where possible can also help protect it from prolonged exposure to harsh weather.

What wildlife can I see in a UK garden?

Wildlife cameras can capture a wide range of animals in UK gardens, including hedgehogs, badgers, red foxes, squirrels, mice and shrews. You may also capture domestic cats and a variety of garden birds.

Many of these animals are most active at dawn, dusk or during the night, making a wildlife camera with infrared night vision particularly useful. The species you see will depend on your location, garden habitat and the time of year.

To discover more about wildlife watching and conservation, visit the Green Feathers blog.