Guiding ~ what we offer
Dorset's habitats are varied including lowland heath, woodlands, rivers, reed beds, chalk grassland, harbours and sea cliffs. Many are set in stunning rural landscapes, others are on the edge of, or even in, urban conurbations - but all attract an interesting variety of species.
Dorset's bird life is amongst the best in the UK with over 420 species recorded in the county. Most of the birding hot spots are located by the coast but interesting birds are found throughout the county. Some of the UK's finest dragonfly and butterfly watching is to be had in Purbeck and on the north Dorset chalk grasslands respectively, all six species of the UK's reptiles are found on Dorset's internationally important heathlands while, in botanical terms, the richest 10km grid square in the UK is found in the Wareham area.
We offer a Guiding Service to individuals and small groups that are designed by us, for you, so that your time out in the field is as productive as possible. When you make a booking we will work around your interests to produce a suitable itinerary that will provide a Dorset birding and wildlife experience not to forget.
- Full day and half day bookings are available
- Exclusive use of our guide, for up to six people (transport offered within Dorset, no extra charge)
- Hot/cold drinks are provided
- Entrance/parking fees included (if applicable)
- A selection of field guides and a telescope are available to use
- Binoculars can be supplied if you are travelling light
For larger groups - we can supply a guide(s) for full day or half day bookings to accompany your group either at your chosen location or we can suggest a suitable itinerary for you.
Why not...
- Track down spring/autumn migrant birds in south Dorset, visiting Portland, Weymouth & The Fleet
- Watch Woodlarks, Dartford Warblers & Nightjars on the Dorset heathlands
- Experience the spectacle of Poole Harbour's wintering waders & wildfowl
- Spend a winter's day birding in Purbeck aiming to see 100 species during the day
- Search for dragonflies & reptiles on the Purbeck heathlands
- Visit the north Dorset chalk grasslands and woodlands to look for a variety of butterflies
- Go for a scenic walk along part of the stunning Dorset coast to see what we can find
...and much more
Not quite sure what you would like to do? Here are a few suggestions... most of these walks would be suitable for larger groups as well as individuals/small groups. Depending on the walk, a full day lasts around 7-8 hours, a half day around 4 hours. In some cases, two half day examples shown here could be combined to make a full day.
Examples of Birding & Wildlife Themed Walks
Guiding Terms/Conditions & Price List
Illustrated Wildlife Talks
In addition to our Guiding Service we offer a range of talks. We regularly travel up to 100 miles from Wareham, but will consider travelling further afield. Our fee depends on the distance travelled – please ask for further details.
- Dorset’s Best Birdwatching Sites
- Poole Harbour and its Birds
- Japan: Birding in the Land of the Rising Sun
- Birding in Spain: Marshes, Mountain and Migration
- Lesvos - Jewel in the Aegean
- A Sub-Antarctic Experience: The Prince Edward Islands
- Wildlife Wanderings in South Africa
- The Farne Islands: Northumberland's Seabird City
UK & Overseas Wildlife Tours and Guiding
In addition to offering guides within Dorset we have experience of guiding in other parts of the UK and overseas, in particular to Spain, Lesvos, South Africa and have regularly travelled to Japan. We regularly guide for Birdfinders (visit their website), a Dorset based bird-tour company, to Lesvos (Greece), Coto Donana / Extremadura (Spain) and Tarifa (Spain). On occasions we may organise a tour of our own beyond Dorset and we are available to organise/lead private trips for small groups. Please contact us to discuss what you are looking for.
Tarifa, Spain: 13-19 Sept 2021 / tbc 2022
Lesvos, Greece: 28 April - 5 May 2022
Coto Donana, Spain: 12-19 May 2022
Banner pictures: Grey Plover ~ Fulmar ~ Red Squirrel ~ Christchurch Harbour ~ Little Owl ~ Belen Plain, Spain