Natural Treasures of the South Coast

The world’s second-heaviest flying bird, the great bustard, struts with flamboyant plumes across a rolling chalk grassland, while an enormous white-tailed eagle has its eagle eye on a diving osprey as it surveys its newly-acquired territory. Close by, a nimble red squirrel leaps from bough to bough as a dazzlingly green sand lizard basks down below in the warm spring sunshine. This, however, is not a remote corner of Eastern Europe, but is southern England! And these are all scenes which can be enjoyed at a number of select sites and within the frankly marvellous counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Following on from the success and popularity of our Wildlife Extravaganza on the magical Isle of Mull, we're thrilled to bring you an exciting wildlife experience on England’s green and pleasant south coast. From our charming base at the historic Warmwell House, set in the delightfully rural Dorset countryside, we have daily wildlife outings and discover the fascinating natural history within its grounds.

Image by Mark Nicholson

With 400 hectares of ancient woodland, pasture and flower rich gardens across the estate, we enjoy bird and bat walks, along with the excitement of a moth and mammal trap reveal, all on our doorstep. On returning to the 400-year-old house, we can tuck into delicious homemade meals.

There can be no better time to experience the diverse wildlife that Southern Britain has to offer than in mid-May. The ancient woodlands of the New Forest are a feast for the ears with near-constant bird song, while Dorset’s fabulous heathland hosts all six of our native reptiles, each just waiting to be discovered.

Throughout our week, we can experience some of the south coast’s most biologically-rich habitats. From safaris across the chalk download of Salisbury Plain, where stone curlews watch us with beady eyes, to wanderings under the gnarled oaks of the New Forest, where a sudden alarm call may reveal a dashing goshawk. There are also ambles through the reed beds of Radipole and Lodmoor, where marsh harriers and bearded tits vie for our attention, along with spectacular coastal walks with views along the Jurassic Coast.

On an exclusive cruise through the waterways of Poole Harbour, we're on the lookout for its ospreys, eagles, avocets and even seals. On other days we seek squirrels and sikas on Brownsea Island, and take in Purbeck’s heathlands, which now comprise Britain’s first super national nature reserve.

We hope to enjoy a week of outstanding wildlife diversity during our visits to excellent wildlife reserves, some of which have granted us special or exclusive access. We meet passionate individuals who share our love of wildlife and celebrate some of the conservation success stories that have helped some of our rarest species return to this beautiful part of the country.

Among the highlights we hope to discover are all six of Britain’s reptile species, mammals, such as red squirrel and water vole, and rarities, such as great bustard, stone curlew, woodlark and Dartford warbler. Birds of prey are another feature of this week, as white-tailed eagle, osprey, goshawk, marsh harrier and hobby are all possible sightings.

Image by Mark Wright

Join us for an inspiring week of wildlife comeback stories, charismatic species, diverse landscapes and plenty of fun, as we show you another side to southern England.

If you'd like to discover the wonderful natural history of the south coast, read more about our South Coast Wildlife Extravaganza trip today, or get in contact with our friendly team.