In the wake of the English team’s 2-1 test defeat in the West Indies, and with the Cricket World Cup coming to England before another British Ashes summer, we are hoping the test team returns to winning ways before their international challenges in New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India in the next couple of years. Fortuitously all these destinations also offer world-class birding and wildlife opportunities, and Naturetrek are pleased to offer holidays to incorporate the cricket during these upcoming test series.

We are delighted to launch a new Papua New Guinea itinerary that includes visits to the highland interior and New Britain, introducing both the wildlife and culture of this fascinating country.

After a brief and, shall we say, self-indulgent vacation to New England last autumn, the “Watches” were back on home ground last week, in sizzling form and once again celebrating our own wildlife. “Winterwatch” came from the Cairngorms, in north-central Scotland, in a snowscape “fit for a fairytale” as Chris Packham aptly described it. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The Arctic is a special place. The frozen roof of our planet has attracted and fascinated people for centuries. First it was a craving for exploration and discovery and then, later on, the race to be the first to reach the North Pole. Today, the Arctic still casts its icy spell, although those of us wishing to visit can explore in a lot more comfort and warmth than endured by those explorers of old! The region’s hardy wildlife is especially fascinating, but if you want to see Polar Bears and Walrus, Arctic Fox and Ivory Gulls where should you go, when should you visit and how should you get there?

You don't have to be a wildlife enthusiast to be enthused by primates! Humans are one of around 300 species that consititute the primate order. Primates are characterised primarily by having large brains relative to body weight, allowing for complex social interaction, use of tools, spatial reasoning and conscious thought. Viewing primates in the wild is special for this reason; it is easy to be captivated by the anthropomorphic stare of a Mountain Gorilla, wondering if it's pondering the same questions that you are, or to marvel at the intelligence displayed even by small primates, such as the Bearded Capuchin as it cracks tough Brazil nuts using an improvised hammer and anvil.