woodland lighting?

[Grasshopper]

I have a great woods near me and I love taking wildlife shots but as with all woodland, its quite dark. How do I get the best lighting? I have a flash gun but no other lights or is it best just to take the hit with noise and up my ISO? Any ideas would be really welcome.

 

[u8myufo]

Exactly what wildlife is there that you know of John which you wish to photograph?

 

[fracster]

Is there water in the woodland?

Are there any clearings?

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks for your replys, It depends how long I have got on the day as to what I am taking shots of. There are always a mass of different birds but if I am patient enough there are also foxes and deer that are resident but are not as sociable.

There are plenty of wide openings but not much water. My problem is that most of the wildlife tends to prefer to stay under more cover.