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Excellent service from start to finish. The administration and support from the office staff was extremely efficient. Enquires were dealt with promptly. The paperwork was comprehensive and arrived in plenty of time for the start of the holiday. The hotel accommodation provided was very comfortable with friendly staff. Matt and David, the two tour guides were superb, obviously well qualified, very experienced and enthusiastic. This holiday was the first I have taken with Naturetrek and I would definitely use them again.
E.S. Berkshire, Feb 20
The Somerset Levels - A Beginner Birdwatching Tour
Tour Code: GBR40A short birdwatching break, focusing in particular on the spectacular winter congregations of Starlings found on these ancient moors and wetlands. This tour has been designed specifically with Beginner Birdwatchers in mind.
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.
Highlights
Summary
The magical movements and acrobatics of a million roosting Starlings. Bitterns. Huge congregations of wintering wildfowl, Lapwings and Golden Plovers. Birds of prey; amongst them Short-eared and Barn Owls, Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlins and Peregrines. These are just some of the possible highlights on offer at this special expanse of seasonally inundated lowlands that spans 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills. This ancient habitat, that until recently had fallen victim to drainage and other modern farming demands, has now been restored to much of its former glory by the RSPB and other conservation bodies. It is a heartening modern-day conservation 'success story'! As this tour is designed for beginners, more time will be taken on instruction, explaining in more detail the identification features about the birds we encounter.
- Enjoy the aerial artistry of a million-strong Starlings as they gather at dusk prior to roosting
- The optional opportunity to return at dawn to watch the Starlings emerge from the roost
- Bittern, Great White Egret, and Bearded Tit regularly seen
- Special effort to find the Cranes which have been re-introduced to the area and now breed
- Birds of prey including Marsh Harrier and Peregrine with large concentrations of wintering wildfowl & waders
- A 3-star hotel, with award-winning restaurant, beside the cathedral in the historic market town of Wells
- Led by expert naturalist guides
The Somerset Levels, a magical expanse of seasonally inundated lowlands that spans 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills, is a conservation ‘success story’! An ancient habitat that, until recently, had fallen victim to drainage and other modern farming demands, has now been restored to much of its former glory by the RSPB and other conservation bodies. Indeed the area supports such a rich variety of plant and birdlife that it is under consideration for status as a World Heritage Site.
Our visit is timed to coincide with the massive flocks of wildfowl that gather here during the winter, when internationally important numbers of Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler are present. Another species found here in vast flocks is the Starling, made famous in recent years by BBC coverage. A dusk outing to watch hundreds of thousands of birds swirling over their roost sites makes for breathtaking viewing. The other star attraction of the area is the Bittern. Habitat creation has, in recent years, attracted several breeding pairs, and in winter these are joined by migrants, giving us a good chance of seeing one standing among the reeds or flying across the vast reedbeds.
There are small numbers of wintering raptors such as, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier, and in recent winters it has been possible to watch Great White Egret alongside Little Egret with regularity. This superb bird bred in the UK for the first time in 2012 and chose the Somerset levels in which to do so, such is the extent and quality of the habitat here. Another bird which we will hope to encounter is the Common Crane which has been re-introduced here as part of the Great Crane Project. Although it can be unpredictable as to their whereabouts, many have been lucky.
Otters are another success story and do occur on the Somerset Levels in ever increasing numbers, though few are lucky enough to see them on such a short visit.
There is a very special quality to the landscape and wildlife of the Somerset Levels, and there are wonderful views across Glastonbury Tor, Deer Leap and Wookey. Indeed a visit here in winter can offer a host of rewards, so please do join us on this ever-popular Naturetrek short break
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Wells
Day 2/3
Somerset Levels; Avalon Marshes; King's Sedgemoor; West Sedgemoor
What's Included?
- Accommodation: A comfortable 3-star hotel, with an award-winning restaurant, in the historic market town of Wells; all rooms have private facilities.
- Food: Breakfasts and 3-course evening meals included in the price.
Reviews
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This was a weekend on the Somerset Levels geared to birdwatching, especially starlings en masse, ducks and wildfowl, and rare visitors such as hawfinch and cattle egret. The hotel in Wells was an excellent base and the itinerary and leaders were extremely good. It was even well worth getting up at 5am on the Sunday to go to see the starlings rise from their roost!
A.C. Dorset -
We really enjoyed the holiday. The trip leader Dave Nevitt was really knowledgeable and helpful.
T.W. Kent -
I cannot praise the two leaders enough. It was a privilege to be in their company with all their knowledge and expertise. I had a great little holiday and Wells is a lovely base.
G.M. Kent -
Both tour leaders were excellent in helping us "beginners" identify birds at a distance and also explain why birds were in certain places i.e. shallow or deep water. The starling roost and its close proximity was startling.
D.M. Surrey -
Loved the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. Good accommodation, good food and a nice friendly group of people. The starlings leaving their roost at dawn was a magical sight that we will never forget.
J.B. Surrey -
Both tour leaders demonstrated excellent specialist knowledge in a variety of relevant areas including local history, wildlife and environmental concerns.
L.E. Dorset
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!
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Louise Larkinson travelled on our 'Forest of Dean and the Somerset Levels' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition.
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