Go Slow in Dorset

Tour Code: GBR76

A relaxed 7-day holiday in search of Dorset's summer wildlife, including birds, butterflies and reptiles.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

This week-long UK summer tour is aimed at exploring Dorset’s diverse habitats, albeit at a slower pace than on our standard tour. Day excursions will include the renowned Portland Bill where we can watch for passing seabirds, while the cliffs provide nesting and foraging habitat. Both Radipole and Lodmoor Reserves host a range of waterbirds and reed-dwelling species, including Bearded Tits, terns, gulls and warblers. The Jurassic coastline is famous for its dramatic scenery and beauty; south facing bays offer sheltered spots where meadows of grasses and wildflowers thrive, along with their associated butterflies and insects. The Purbeck region is one of the few locations in the UK where all species of native British reptile can be found, so we may be fortunate in coming across a basking lizard or snake among the heathlands. We’ll also look out for Stonechat and Dartford Warbler, as well as take an evening trip in search of Nightjar. Brownsea Island, situated in Poole Harbour and reachable by ferry, is home to Sika Deer and Red Squirrel which we will watch for as we meander through the mixed woodlands. Between the wonderful scenery and diverse wildlife, it will be a delightful week in the south of England.

  • Visiting the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site
  • Look for all 6 of Britain’s reptile species in the Purbecks, as well as heathland birds
  • Search for the region’s butterflies, including the localised Lulworth Skipper
  • Options to listen for Nightjars and Noctule Bats at dusk
  • View nesting seabird colonies
  • See the south-west’s largest breeding colony of Common Terns at Lodmoor
  • Look for Manx & Balearic Shearwaters at Portland Bill, plus skuas & auks

Grading

All walking on this tour will be taken at a very relaxed pace and no long walks are included. Some terrain around the coast may be steeper and more rugged underfoot in places.

On this week long wildlife break we will explore some of Dorset’s best nature reserves and enjoy its beautiful rolling countryside from a conveniently positioned base, near Wareham. Dorset's enviable variety of special habitats offers a wealth of natural history, and the summer is an excellent time to enjoy these.

During our stay we will visit Radipole Lake looking for the Marsh Harriers and numerous warblers that breed in its reed beds, including Cetti’s Warbler with its loud, explosive song. Around the corner at Lodmoor we'll find the south-west’s largest breeding colony of Common Terns. Finally we will visit Portland Bill, scanning for such seabirds as Manx and Balearic Shearwater, skuas and auks, and look for passerines feeding on the headlands.

Another day we will visit Durlston Cliffs to view one of England's most southerly seabird colonies, and look for breeding Peregrines and Ravens. The Purbecks are home to all six of Britain's reptile species, including the stunning, jewel-green Sand Lizard and the very rare Smooth Snake. We'll also look for Dartford Warblers amongst the gorse and Hobbies as they hawk for dragonflies overhead. One evening, as dusk approaches, there will be the option to go and listen for the sound of ‘churring’ Nightjars, whose calls permeate the evening air as Noctule Bats take to the wing.

We will head for the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that stretches from Orcombe Point in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset and tells the story of the region's past 185 million years. Here, beneath our feet, lie the clues to a natural history of a past world, from ammonites to belemnites, sea dragons to dinosaurs, and we will take great delight in exploring a coast line that offers a window into the wonders of the past. The grasslands at the top of the cliffs also shelter one of the UK’s rarer butterflies, the very localised Lulworth Skipper, plus a range of other species such as Silver-studded Blue, Wall, Marbled White and Brown Argus.

Brownsea Island where Red Squirrels can still be found, along with Sika Deer and eleven species of bat, will be another of our destinations. This small island, at 1 ½ miles long and ¾ mile wide, has a range of habitats from lagoons to woodlands, made up of over 100 tree species, both coniferous and deciduous.

We’re sure to have a week of wonderful wildlife in this fantastic part of the country!

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Meet Wareham, transfer Corfe Castle
Day 2/6
Excursions around Dorset
Day 7
Morning excursion then depart Wareham
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    Accommodation for this tour is at the lovely Morton's House Hotel in Corfe Castle. This 16th century manor house has traditional style rooms, all with en-suite facilities.

  • Food:

    All meals from dinner/evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 7 are included in the tour cost. Evening meals will be taken in the 2 AA rosette restaurant at the hotel, while lunches will be a mix of packed lunches and cafe visits.

Reviews
Why Naturetrek?

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

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!