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Fabulous mix of natural / wildlife attractions including birds, butterflies, moths, wild flowers and insects with the added bonus of an evening stargazing in the island observatory. Well planned itinerary and thoughtful balance of activities so that the days were full but not rushed. There was plenty of time to enjoy areas of personal interest as well as time to gain new knowledge. It was a real privilege to be on this course with John as our nature guide, I learnt so much in just a few days and have gained real enthusiasm for new areas such as moths and insects that I would never have thought so fascinating. A particular highlight was the opportunity to watch John ringing birds, seeing these beautiful creatures close up was so exciting. Along with his outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm, John worked really hard to ensure we got the most out of our time on Sark and I was delighted he was able to organise an evening of stargazing. Many thanks.
S.K. Kent, September 22
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Sark in Style - Autumn Migration
Tour Code: GBR152A 6-day holiday timed for the autumn migration – the island providing refuge for an exciting variety of unusual species over the years – and the chance to enjoy such butterflies as Queen of Spain Fritillary and Wall. Our multiple award-winning hotel describes itself as being “totally devoted to providing comfort and relaxation for guests that arrive to enjoy the calm and solitude of Sark”.
Highlights
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Summary
Enjoy the enviable weightlessness of life in Sark, as we step away from the rigours of modern-day life and make an exciting exploration of the wildlife of this beautiful Channel Island, the natural history of which has been infrequently studied.
In autumn we'll have the chance to enjoy the exciting migration of birds as they pass through on their journeys to Africa. A period of sustained bird ringing during the 1980s demonstrated Sark as a leading bird migration hot-spot with many significant records of rare migrants. We'll enjoy the chance to discover exciting species from other taxa too, species such as Queen of Spain Fritillary, Autumn Squill and Scaly Cricket, along with a genuine opportunity to add to the island's natural history records.
Sark has been declared the first ‘dark sky island’ in the world and we shall relish clear skies to enjoy the masterpiece that is Sark's night sky.
Our hand-chosen hotel was named by Which? hotel guide as 'The place to stay in the Channel Islands'. Each night we shall enjoy a 5-course gourmet meal made with local butter, fresh cream, seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables which, where possible, are sourced from the hotel's own farm and gardens. The hotel itself is charming, and describes itself as being “totally geared to unhurried relaxation – devoted to providing comfort and relaxation for those that arrive to enjoy the calm and solitude of Sark. It's a wonderful place and helps you remove yourself from the rigours of 'civilisation’”.
- Birds in passage may include Wryneck, Common Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and raptors.
- Exciting numbers of swallows and martins passing overhead as they make their migration back to Africa.
- Butterflies including Wall and Queen of Spain Fritillary, rarely encountered on the British mainland.
- Bottlenose and Common Dolphin possible.
- Autumn Squill, Ploughman’s-spikenard and Rock Samphire some of the special plants we'll study.
- We'll search for Scaly Cricket (one of the rarest of British Orthoptera).
- A real chance to add to the natural history records for the island.
- An International Dark Sky Island — spectacular night skies.
- Ferry option available for those who wish to make this a flight-free holiday.
Grading
We shall enjoy day walks of four to seven miles per day. The paths are naturally coastal, undulating, and not paved and are unfortunately not practical for those with reduced mobility.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A hand-chosen hotel, named by Which? hotel guide as 'The place to stay in the Channel Islands'. All rooms en-suite.
- Food:
The tour price includes a gourmet 5-course meal on each of our five evenings. Lunches are not included in the tour price and will be taken at one of Sark's cafés or tea rooms, where light lunches, such as soups and sandwiches, are available, as well as more substantive plates of food.
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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!
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