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Incredible trip overall, this was my first Naturetrek holiday and intended as a way of dipping my toes in the water to see if it was my sort of thing. Safe to say it definitely is and I'm looking forward to my next trip!
C.M, Antrim, April '23
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Dorset - The Reptiles & Amphibians of Britain
Tour Code: GBR232An exciting 3-day holiday in search of the reptiles and amphibians of Britain.
3 days
from
£795 (land only)
£795 (land only)
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
On this 3-day holiday we will base ourselves around some of the most successful reptile and amphibian conservation efforts in the south of England, making exciting excursions to seek Britain's most beautiful and elusive native reptile and amphibian species, as well as visiting established colonies of superb introduced species.
From our base, at the very comfortable and charming Mortons Manor in the picturesque town of Corfe Castle, we'll join Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) experts to search beautiful habitats in search of such reptiles as the stunningly marked Adder and the splendid Sand Lizard, and amphibians such as the rare and beautiful Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad. ARC was established in June 2009 with the mission of conserving Britain’s amphibians and reptiles, and the habitats on which they depend. The charity manages 80 sites, owning 24 of these, and we'll have the privilege of exploring some of their most productive reserves to find and study their fascinating inhabitants.
For full details of this tour, please download the itinerary from the linked button below.
- Snakes possible include the UK’s rarest reptile, the Smooth Snake, and the beautiful Adder.
- Search for the exquisite and rare Sand Lizard and the introduced Wall Lizard and Green Lizard.
- Rare amphibians such as a chance to see Great Crested Newt and even Natterjack Toad.
- Join experts from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) in the field.
- Learn about the habitat restoration and conservation work.
- Stay at an award-winning Elizabethan manor house hotel, serving delicious cuisine.
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Corfe Castle, visit Creech Heath & Hengistbury Head
Day 2
Town Common, Parley Common, Boscombe Cliffs
Day 3
Explore Lytchett Heath, Great Ovens and East Gore
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
A beautiful, recently refurbished, Grade II listed Elizabethan Manor House, sitting at the base of Corfe Castle steeped full of history, dating back to 1590.
- Food:
Breakfast and two-course evening meals are included in the holiday price. Vegans and vegetarians are easily catered for. Lunches, taken at a nearby pub or restaurant, are not included and will offer a choice between a hearty lunch or something much lighter.
Reviews
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This was our first Naturetrek holiday. We were very happy with the experience. [We most enjoyed the] knowledge and enthusiasm of the two guides, as well as other ARC Trust rangers who we met at different reserves. Almost full house of sightings of native reptiles and amphibians but also some very special bird sightings of Dartford warblers and nightjars. Truly memorable experience.
S.C & J.D. London, June 2022 -
The focus was on reptiles and amphibians and despite unfavourable weather our expert guides introduced as to all the British species except the common frog! We saw two snakes we had never seen, three lizards as well as rare natterjack toad and crested newt. While we were looking for these we also found beautiful beetles and butterflies and a gorgeous Dartford Warbler. Overall an amazing and very thrilling trip. [Naturetrek's] attention to detail, be it accommodation, guides, sites is excellent. We have complete faith in them to deliver a great wildlife experience.
J.D. Cambridgeshire, June 2022 -
Exceptionally good - learnt so much about the ARC's work and local reserves which is especially useful as I live in Dorset. Had great views of most species and there was time to appreciate the landscapes and other species. Both leaders were very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, energetic and accommodating. The additional help of other ARC members increased our chances of seeing species. The highlights were so many good views of stunning male Sand Lizards sparkling in the sun! Lots of Smooth Snakes. The comfort and good food. The good company. The knowlegeable and accessible leaders.
M.P. Dorset, April 2022 -
The trip was fantastic, and the two guides unfaultable! Really wonderful.
I.S. London, June 2021
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 28th Apr – Wed 30th Apr
SPACES
£795
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
James Anderson-Barr
Tour Leader: James Anderson-Barr
James Anderson-Barr is a Dorset Field Officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) and has been with the organisation since 2013.
His responsibilities include co-leading the habitat management winter work programme, public engagement, conducting wildlife surveys and tree assessment surveys across ARC-Trust’s suite of Dorset nature reserves.
Since graduating in 2010 he has had previous stints working for RSPB, Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust developing a real passion for all things heathland related and gaining sound knowledge of the flora and fauna that rely upon it.
As a keen traveller and naturalist he has ventured through South East Asia, Cuba, inter-railed Southern Europe and spent two summers working on projects in Ecuador. Some of his greatest wildlife experiences found outside of the UK have been watching Spectacled Bears in the cloud forest, seeing Lammergeier’s soaring low overhead in the Pyrenees and had a memorable experience sunbathing alongside Marine Iguanas on Galápagos islands.
Having always loved being outdoors in the countryside, it wasn’t until he moved to Dorset from the Midlands that he was surprised to be able to see such a vast array of wildlife on his doorstep, amazed to find snakes and lizards in such great numbers remaining in what are small fragmented urban wild spaces. He enjoys protecting and showcasing these extremely rare habitats to audiences.
Mon 19th May – Wed 21st May
SPACES
£795
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
James Anderson-Barr
Tour Leader: James Anderson-Barr
James Anderson-Barr is a Dorset Field Officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) and has been with the organisation since 2013.
His responsibilities include co-leading the habitat management winter work programme, public engagement, conducting wildlife surveys and tree assessment surveys across ARC-Trust’s suite of Dorset nature reserves.
Since graduating in 2010 he has had previous stints working for RSPB, Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust developing a real passion for all things heathland related and gaining sound knowledge of the flora and fauna that rely upon it.
As a keen traveller and naturalist he has ventured through South East Asia, Cuba, inter-railed Southern Europe and spent two summers working on projects in Ecuador. Some of his greatest wildlife experiences found outside of the UK have been watching Spectacled Bears in the cloud forest, seeing Lammergeier’s soaring low overhead in the Pyrenees and had a memorable experience sunbathing alongside Marine Iguanas on Galápagos islands.
Having always loved being outdoors in the countryside, it wasn’t until he moved to Dorset from the Midlands that he was surprised to be able to see such a vast array of wildlife on his doorstep, amazed to find snakes and lizards in such great numbers remaining in what are small fragmented urban wild spaces. He enjoys protecting and showcasing these extremely rare habitats to audiences.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
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