Wild at Heart Ecoholidays | Wildlife & Wellbeing Holiday

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Spanglefish Gold Status Expired 03/09/2015.

Wildlife & Wellbeing Holidays

Nature based yoga Seals at Findhorn Bay local nature reserve

This holiday is perfect for anyone who is looking for respite from the busyness of modern life and is looking to form a deeper connection with the wild world around them. On this holiday you will find out how connecting with nature and our wild neighbours can help us to live healthier, happier and in harmony with the land. Based at Newbold House - a holistic centre dedicated to positive, sustainable living, and surrounded by organic grounds and stunning Scottish landscapes.

Garden: In our 7 acres of beautiful organic grounds and woodland you will learn how to create and maintain wildlife habitats (e.g. wildflower areas, log piles etc), nest boxes and bird feeders, plus take part in bird, bee and butterfly surveys. All of which you can also do at home.
Forest & Field: With our expert woodsman 'Tracker Dan', you will learn how to unravel the natural mysteries and dramas occurring all around you, through understanding animal tracks and signs or listening to the language of the birds.
Coast & Sea: At our local Bay - part of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, and a local nature reserve in its own right, you will meet the local seal and bird populations and learn about issues facing our native wildlife. Plus there will be a chance to look for and learn about the area's resident bottlenose dolphin population, and discover how conservation and research groups are working to protect these special animals.

Otter Tracks by the River Findhorn Studying Seal Behaviour

This region of Moray Speyside is extremely rich in habitats; ranging from tidal bays (great for wildfowl and osprey), stunning coastline and beaches (with large resident seal and dolphin populations), to river valleys with ancient woodland (great for tracking otter and deer), high moors and mountains (eagles, mountain hare, capercaillie, black grouse) and large areas of Scots pine (perfect for native Scottish wildlife like red squirrels and crested tits).

The holiday activities are mostly based in the very local area. However, you may like to extend your stay by adding a few nights B&B, allowing you to explore the Highlands, Cairngorm National Park (mountains and outdoor activities) and Loch Ness. Things to see and do locally include river rafting, canoeing, pony trekking, Moray Arts Centre, the Findhorn Foundation ecovillage, Cawdor Castle (mentioned in Macbeth), Benromach distillery (making the only organic single malt whisky), heritage crafts (basket making, felting and more), traditional Scottish retailers (Baxters, Johnstons cashmere, Walkers shortbread), antiques, golf courses and fantastic walking and mountain biking trails.

Accommodation and Meals: Large beautiful rooms with a range of twin, double and up to four beds. Rooms can be booked for your own group or shared with individual travellers of the same gender. For single rooms there is a supplement - please see prices below.

Breakfast and evening meals are provided at your accommodation base, are all lovingly homemade, mostly vegetarian, and feature a lot of our own organic produce. Breakfast is continental style with homemade breads and preserves, porridge, fruit, yogurt, cereal and sometimes freshly laid eggs. Dinners are simple and delicious, made by our resident chef. We can cater for vegan, wheat and dairy free. Child friendly meals are available too. A packed lunch will be provided each day and there are lots of nice cafes and pubs for an afternoon coffee and cake or a local brew/dram in the evening. On one evening dinner is not provided so that you can try the local fish and chips or enjoy dinner at one of the pubs or local restaurants.

Dates: Please contact office@newboldtrust.org for details or call 01309 672659.

Additional nights B&B before or after your holiday are possible. Please enquire for more details.

Price: £750 per person. This is based on 2 or more sharing a room. There is a £50 single room supplement per person.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive mid afternoon/early evening into Forres. We will meet you at the train station or bus stop. There are good connections from Inverness train & coach station and Inverness airport - which are well connected nationally. Settle into your accommodation, then gather together for a welcome dinner and short talk.

Days 2-6: Due to the nature of our holidays and a desire to make the most of the weather and wildlife sightings, we do keep a certain level of flexibility in our itineraries. However it is likely that you will do most of the following:

1. Two half day practical sessions at our Newbold House base creating and maintaining wildlife habitats and recording species for national projects.

2. A day with 'Tracker Dan' learning how to get closer to nature, understand tracks, signs and bird language, and unravel natural mysteries.

3. A day at Findhorn Bay nature reserve watching and learning about our resident seals and birds, followed by a tour of the nearbyFindhon Foundation ecovillage.

4. A half day trip to the best shore based dolphin watching location in Europe, and visit to dolphin education centre.

5. A wild camping day and night at stunning Findhorn River with expert guides to give you a safe, exciting wilderness experience

6. A thrilling boat trip into the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation with local wildlife friendly operator, onboard an exhilarating rigid hulled inflatable boat. Opportunities to enjoy the seals, dolphins and seabirds from a different perspective.

Day 8: Breakfast, goodbye gathering then check out by 10.30. Unless staying on for B&B and further enjoying the local area.

To book call 01309 62659 or email us on office@newboldhouse.org