Southern California (or SoCal to the locals) is a land where breathtaking natural beauty merges with modern mythology and film-like backdrops. Beyond Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach and multi-lane freeways, Mother Nature has blessed SoCal with iconic beaches, snow-capped crags, sculpted deserts, prolific birdlife and extremely varied wildlife.

An entry to our 2019 Writing Competition, Peter and Carolyn Stott travelled on our 'Mongolia's Snow Leopards' tour.

Read about highlights from recent tours to Chile, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Scotland …

The vast flocks of geese that overwinter around the Solway Firth each year are back in their thousands. Over 8,000 Barnacle Geese have been counted at RSPB Mersehead and over 11,000 at WWT Caerlaverock, along with Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, as well as the lovely Whooper Swans.

An entry to our 2019 Writing Competition, Karami Ure travelled to Australia on a Naturetrek Tailormade holiday.