As the pandemic has encouraged us to look closer to home, specialist operator Wildlife Worldwide is introducing a range of new UK wildlife trips for 2021.
The star of the new offerings is an exclusive and luxury escape to Mull in the company of wildlife TV presenter Kate Humble. Each of the expert-led small group tours takes guests to one of the UK’s most beautiful corners, immersing them in the local wildlife, from the dramatic landscapes of Northumberland or Wales’ Elan Valley to the gentler, but no less beautiful, Suffolk coastline.
Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza with Kate Humble
Join presenter Kate Humble on this new trip to Mull, Scotland’s Eagle Island. Staying at the beautiful Knock House in the 32,000 acre Benmore Estate, guests will enjoy a full-week of guided wildlife adventures. Mull is home to one of Western Europe’s densest populations of white-tailed and golden eagles and guests will marvel at the majestic birds as well as hen harriers and short-eared owls, plus puffins on the neighbouring Treshnish Isles. The attractions are not just avian though, with a boat trip with Sea Life Surveys giving the chance to spot minke whales, basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins, plus a trip to the Whitetail Gin Distillery. Evenings are spent enjoying gourmet meals of local produce and sharing a nightcap with Kate and the trip’s co-leader Dave Sexton, the island’s RSPB Scotland officer. Kate first met Dave whilst filming white-tailed Eagles on Mull for Springwatch.
Price: from £2,495pp, including 7 nights’ half board accommodation, all excursions, guiding and return ferry from Oban to Craignure. Depart 12 June 2021. Max group size of 12. No single supplement.
Suffolk’s Coasts & Heaths in Late Spring
On this short break to the Suffolk coastline, guests will see the huge wealth of birdlife that calls it home in the spring. From bitterns and marsh harriers to avocets and bearded tits, guests will enjoy two full days of coastal birding. There are visits to sites such as the iconic Minsmere, one of the most diverse lowland nature reserves in the UK, and Benacre Broad with its saline lagoons and coastal woodlands. A day is also spent at Hen Reedbed outside of Southwold, where in addition to the birdlife keen-eyed enthusiasts might spot otters and water voles too.
Price: from £650pp sharing, including 3 nights’ half-board accommodation, guiding and transfers. Depart 20 May 2021.
The Farnes & Northumberland in Early Summer
There is no finer county in England for birding and wildlife than Northumberland, and this rugged land is at its best in the early summer. The highlight is the visit to the Farne Islands, home to nesting arctic terns, Atlantic puffins and common guillemots, and also abundant numbers of grey seals. There is also a boat trip to Coquet Island, home to the UK’s only colony of the exquisite roseate terns. Northumberland’s interior is not neglected, with trips to the Cheviot Hills where many scarce or declining birds may still be found, including cuckoo, redstart, tree pipit, red grouse and spotted flycatcher. Throughout the trip, guests stay in the superb Bamburgh Castle Inn, overlooking the harbour of Seahouses.
Price: from £975pp sharing, including 5 nights’ half-board accommodation, guiding, excursions and transfers. Depart 15 or 22 June 2021.
Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop
Known as the Welsh Lake District, the Elan Valley is a remote corner of the UK with big skies, rugged mountains and a variety of wildlife. On this new short break led by expert photographer Sean Weekly, the focus is on red kites, bottlenose dolphins and photographing the night sky. At Gigrin Farm, there are specially designed hides to watch the red kites coming in to feed and guests will hope to capture them in flight and begin to understand their behaviour. The third day is spent on a specially-charted boat, cruising along the Ceredigion coast searching for bottlenose dolphins as well as grey seals and porpoises. Each evening is spent learning night sky photography, taking advantage of the Valley’s designation as a Dark Sky Park.
Price: from £675pp sharing, including 3 nights’ accommodation, most meals, transfers and guiding. Depart 10 June 2021.
For more information contact Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302086, wildlifeworldwide.com)
