| Status | Starts | Group size | Leader | Duration/price Inc. flights from/to UK | Duration/price Exc. international flights | Single supp. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full | Max. 7 |
Barry Embling
|
5 days: £1,395 pp. | £250 | ||||
| Available | Max. 7 |
Barry Embling
|
5 days: £1,395 pp. | £250 | ||||
Join us on this wildlife holiday to Pembrokeshire and its offshore islands including Skomer and Ramsey as we enjoy its stunning landscapes and spectacular wildlife. During this five day trip we will encounter Atlantic puffin, Manx shearwater and northern gannet colonies - join us as we explore this wonderful corner of Wales.
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- We meet our tour leader at the hotel reception before checking in. Later in the afternoon we embark on our first excursion.
- Accommodation: 4-nights, St David’s Cross Hotel
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- This morning we travel a short distance south-west to the coast where we board a small ferry for our crossing to the island of Skomer.
- At just under three square kilometres, Skomer is the perfect size for a day trip. We enjoy its remarkable bird and botanical life, whilst also appreciating the spectacular cliff-top views. Home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in the south of Britain, there will be ample time to observe these charismatic birds at close quarters, alongside a wealth of other seabirds, passerines and raptors, including both little and short-eared owls, fulmar, guillemot, razorbill, shag and oystercatcher.
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- To begin the day we head to St Justinian’s to board a boat bound for the picturesque isle of Ramsey, just 1 kilometre off the coast from St David’s Head and an island many believe to be the most beautiful of the Pembrokeshire islands. It perfectly complements Skomer with its subtle differences and has large populations of Atlantic grey seal and resident red deer. Ramsey is blessed with high cliffs rising over 100 metres in height making them perfect for breeding seabirds and their predators. We should observe large numbers of guillemot, chough and Manx shearwater with the occasional peregrine falcon passing by and disturbing the roosts.
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- We spend today exploring mainland Pembrokeshire, visiting oceanic heathlands, beautiful coastal bays and beaches, estuaries and stops at favoured nature reserves looking for birds, mammals, plants and insects, including local specialities, and a visit to the famous St David’s Cathedral.
- Time and weather permitting, we will also spend time at Stackpole, another iconic wildlife location in Pembrokeshire, including the scenic Bosheston Lakes that are superb for dragonflies and a regular haunt of otter. There are very few places in the UK like Stackpole that have such a diversity of habitats in such a small area ranging from limestone cliffs and sweeping beaches to shallow freshwater lakes filled with rare freshwater plants and the beautiful white waterlilies. This diversity helps to support a wonderful array of wildlife with Atlantic puffin, reed warbler, stonechat, skylark, oystercatcher, razorbill, dark green fritillary, brown argus and chough being just a few of the notable highlights.
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- After breakfast we take one final excursion to look for any species we haven't seen already before checking out of our hotel.
All prices are per person and include:
- Services of the naturalist leader
- 4 nights hotel accommodation
- Most meals
- Transfers for guided excursions
- Guided excursions
- Boat trips as described
- Conservation fund contribution
Accommodation
We stay at St David's Cross Hotel in the historic city of St David’s in en suite rooms.
Meals
Breakfasts and dinners are included in the itinerary and will be taken at the hotel.
Birds
The summer months in Pembrokeshire are characterised by seabird colonies on the coast and the county’s offshore island as well as a number of migrants.
- Atlantic puffin
- Manx shearwater
- Northern gannet
- Chough
Insects
Whilst Pembrokeshire is better known for its coastline and rugged offshore, its interior has various locations which are havens to a plethora of insect life, such as hairy dragonfly, scarce blue-tailed damselfly,dark green fritillary and brown argus.
Walking
The itinerary will involve some walks as we explore Pembrokeshire in search of its excellent wildlife. All the walks will be on relatively flat ground and taken at a slow pace in order to maximise our chances of observing wildlife. The exception to this is when visiting the islands of Skomer and Ramsey, which will have some steps and relatively steep sections so a certain level of fitness is needed.
The ground may be slightly uneven or wet under foot so footwear with good grip is recommended.
Ground transport
Ground transportation will be by minibus, driven by your tour leader. We will also board small boats to explore and visit the islands of Skomer and Ramsey.
Climate
Pembrokeshire and the west coast of Wales is usually warm and pleasant, however the weather can be unpredictable so you should always be prepared for rainy conditions.
