Travelling Naturalist

Course

In Midhurst

£ 285 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    Midhurst

  • Duration

    3 Days

The aim of the course is to give you an insight into the varied habitats found on the river and is predominantly a nature watching course studying plants, trees, animals and birds and working on identification skills. We will also teach you fundamental paddling techniques

Facilities

Location

Start date

Midhurst (West Sussex)
GU29 9WL

Start date

On request

About this course

Must be able to swim 200m
Good level of fitness required
Minimum age 18
You will need small tents for this course

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Course programme

This course is based on the very beautiful River Dart which finds its source at Dartmoor and ends in the sea at Dartmouth. The course is centred around the section from Totnes to Dartmouth which does have a large array of wildlife and because it is a tidal river, the scenery is fantastic. In some places it feels like you are travelling down the Amazon, where colonies of Herons are nesting in great numbers and the trees grow right down to the waters edge. Some of the animals you may see range from seals, bats, salmon & trout, birds of prey, waders and kingfishers. There have been recent sightings on the Dart by the elusive otter but we are not promising anything!

We will have the opportunity for wild camping with open fires and will stay in two river beach locations. Because this is a tidal river freshwater rod licences do not apply. There will be an oportunity for fishing should you wish to bring a small travel rod.

Friday at noon, depart Sharpham Estate and enjoy a gentle familiarization paddle and brief exploration up the river Hems (which is a bit like a short jungle adventure!) and a really good wildlife haven. We will arrive at Ham point about 5 pm and set up camp in the woods.

Saturday depart Ham point and head towards Dartmouth. We will pass oyster beds, hopefully collect some samphire, explore reed marshes and a variety of habitats on route. We will pass by Stoke Gabriel and Dittisham on our way into Dartmouth and come back on right bank and stop at our next private location for the night.

Sunday depart from near White Rock and a slow paddle around the area, looking at the various creeks and tributaries plus getting out for wildlife exploration. Finally, we will travel up river and end at the wonderful Sharpham Vineyard Cafe for some delicious final fare before departure when you will be returned to your cars back at the estate.

The aim of the course is to give you an insight into the varied habitats found on the river and is predominantly a nature watching course studying plants, trees, animals and birds and working on identification skills. We will also teach you fundamental paddling techniques. Our very experienced instructors will be on hand at all times to answer queries and to help you get to grips with your transport! Subjects covered:

  • Canoe expedition safety
  • Paddle skills
  • Wild foods
  • Wildlife watching and tracking
  • Plants and trees
  • Fishing

All meals (bar one) will be cooked out of doors and all accomodation is on wild camp sites with no running water. We will be taking all of our equipment with us and will be self sufficient for the trip until the end when we end up back at the private estate for a late lunch at their fabulous vineyard cafe!

Details

  • Must be able to swim 200m
  • Good level of fitness required
  • Minimum age 18.
  • You will need small tents for this course
  • Group size 14

Travelling Naturalist

£ 285 + VAT