Join us for this wonderful birdwatching holiday with natural history expert Madeline. Each day we aim to explore a different area covering a variety of habitats and hope to spot an exciting array of birds. With a private minibus available to take us to the most interesting locations, we will head out each day to discover a wealth of birdlife.

On one day we will head out to Shapwick Heath Natural Nature Reserve where the variety of habitats include woodland, fen, reed-beds and lakes. This Natural England site is host to a rich mixture of birds and mammals. We may also visit RSPB Ham Wall, a thriving national nature reserve on the Somerset Levels . There is also much interest on the doorstep including Dunster Park and Heathlands which provides us with a local walk across wood-pasture with veteran trees, dry heathlands and ancient semi-natural oak woodland, all with an array of specialist breeding birds. On another day we may stroll down to Dunster beach and enjoy the fabulous coastline, where vast areas of exposed sand and mud at low water provides great feeding areas for many waders. We could also take a look at nearby Exmoor with its moorland birds and pristine river systems as well as some of the spectacular coastline cliff walks and sheltered river valleys around Woody Bay.

Ecologist and expert natural history guru Madeline will be on hand to share her extensive knowledge. With her passion for all things “nature”, both beginners and more seasoned birdwatchers will benefit from her insights and enthusiasm.

We are based at Dunster in Exmoor, one of the prettiest Medieval villages in England. It is a perfect location for walking and birding and the accommodation is very walker friendly.

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Twin Shared Ensuite £780 Single Ensuite £880Includes: 5 nights full board accommodation; all transport in private minibus ; services of expert birdwatching guide each day

Walks will be taken at a leisurely pace with the emphasis on birdwatching rather than covering a lot of ground. There will be plenty of opportunities to sit and watch the birds, take photos, enjoy the views.

The Yarn Market Hotel is based in the quaint village of Dunster, one of teh best preserved Medieval villages in England. The hotel has a traditional, homely feel and is very much geared towards walkers. http://www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk/index.html

Madeline Holloway is a natural history expert and freelance ecologist with a hugely impressive knowledge of birds and nature. She has been a walking guide for over 10 years and her enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Be prepared to end up on your hands and knees magnifying glass in hand!

By Car: Whether travelling North or South on the M5 or on the A303/A358 come off at Taunton, Junction 25, follow the signs for Minehead, which will take you along the A358, to Williton where you will bear left onto the A39 for Minehead. After about 6 miles, passing through the villages of Washford, Bilbrook and Carhampton, you will pass Dunster Castle on your left before turning left at the traffic lights onto the A396 and up into Dunster Village. As the road bears left into the High Street the octagonal Yarn Market is in the centre of the street. Turn in beside this building and park in front of reception to unload your luggage. There is free parking in the High Street or there are permits available from Reception for the Village Car Park. If you are coming from the south on the M5 you may prefer to turn off at Junction 27 on to the A361 to the first roundabout near Tiverton. Turn right here on to the A396. This is a slow, winding but delightful road following the River Exe valley up on to Exmoor. It passes through Bampton and Wheddon Cross before dropping down to Timberscombe and Dunster. Coming this way the road enters Dunster from the south. Pass through the traffic lights and you enter the High Street with the Yarn Market ahead. Turn in before the building to the entrance of the hotel. By Train: The nearest staion is Taunton which is 22 miles away. There is a number 28 bus once an hour and this takes around  1 to 1.5 hours. We can arrange a shared taxi if there are enough people (not included and cost is approx. £60)