How To Be Green On Holiday

If you want to help protect and support the places you visit on your holidays then you might want to consider these ideas:

·        Shop local – help support the local people and the economy by purchasing food from local butchers, bakers, farmers markets and delis rather than chain supermarkets where possible

·        Visit local events – craft fairs and local shows are a great opportunity to meet the people of the area, learn about rural crafts and traditions and help rural communities to thrive

·        Consider visiting areas at quieter times of the year away from the busy peak times, helping to ease things like congestion and pressures on the local environment

·        Think about leaving the car behind for one day of your holiday and plan an adventure instead – get the bus, the train, hire cycles or walk to and from your door

·        Treat your accommodation the same as you would your home in terms of turning off appliances, not leaving things on standby, and switching off lights when not in rooms, remember to still recycle items  such as plastic bottles and packaging, cardboard, papers and magazines

·        When eating out look for establishments that are part of a town, county or regional ‘eat local’ campaign – they should display stickers in windows

·       When exploring the great outdoors remember to respect local flora and fauna, and observe any wildlife in such a way as not to disturb it

Find out more about eco friendly and wildlife watching holidays on Wild & Green Escapes

Escape To The Forest of Bowland

Caldertop Cottage, Higher Landskill Farm , Calder Vale, Lancashire

Caldertop Cottage is 3 star self catering Green Tourism Gold holiday accommodation on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The cottage adjoins the owner's farmhouse on a working sheep and stock rearing farm, with spectacular views over open countryside.

Garstang, the world’s first fairtrade town, is 5 miles away where there are supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Wild & Green Accommodation

Higher Bodley Farm, Parracombe, Exmoor, North Devon
If you crave a holiday with a difference, then the Shepherd's Hut at Higher Bodley Farm is the place for you.

Forget the televisions and computers - just relax - sit on the decking terrace, take in the wonderful, clean fresh air and the stunning views across the farm which reach in to the Exmoor National Park.

Wake to the sounds of the birds, wildlife and farm animals. With no light pollution, night time at the Shepherd's Hut is the perfect place to experience the wonder of the stars, as Exmoor is renowned for its dark sky and natural beauty.
More info on the eco holidays website Wild & Green Escapes

Exmoor House, Wheddon Cross, Exmoor National Park, Somerset

For a thoroughly relaxing stay escape to Exmoor House. Very comfortable, thoughtfully-designed rooms, a friendly welcome and great attention to detail make this a really special place (recommended by The Guardian, 101 Holidays and Lonely Planet).

Exmoor House was the first accommodation provider in Exmoor National Park to gain the Green Tourism Gold Award in 2010. They specialise in dinner, bed & breakfast breaks and the daily-changing dinner menu combines local produce with expert cooking.

Located in Exmoor's highest village, Exmoor House is ideally placed for walking, cycling and exploring.

Find out more on the eco and wildlife friendly holidays website Wild & Green Escapes

Days Out Inspiration

Perfect Picnic Spots Courtesy of Forestry Commission

If you go down to the woods today... pack up the picnic basket, grab the blanket and head down to experience some of Forestry Commission England’s best sites for eating al fresco. Whether it’s with family, friends or just the two of you these sites offer everything you need to picnic in peace within beautiful surroundings. Spend a day exploring forest parks and woodlands, and take the opportunity to stop for lunch at one of the Forestry Commission's Top Ten picnic spots:

1. Fineshade woods, Northants.  Picnic benches are available along the trails and next to the visitor centre.
2. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire.  The picnic area is located on the Grade I Listed Downs area, between the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood, and near to the main facilities. 
3. Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean , Gloucestershire.  Voted the best place to picnic in the south west last year and with a wonderful view over the lake, you can watch the wildlife while you enjoy your picnic on one of the several picnic benches.
4. Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire.  Take an easy stroll along the all ability trail to reach the Chiltern's highest point, where you can relax with a picnic and enjoy the spectacular views.
5. New Forest, Hampshire.  With five designated picnic spots, all offering benches and toilet facilities, and opportunities to picnic more informally throughout the forest, you will be spoilt for choice here.
6. Adderstone Field, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.  A large open area with pine and beech woods on either side, Adderstone Field is an ideal place to soak up the sun whilst eating lunch.
7. Delamere Forest, Cheshire.  With picnic sites at all the car parks in the forest, Delamere is the perfect place to escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest. 
8. Hamsterley Forest, Durham.  You can explore the forest along the four mile Forest Drive, lined with informal picnic areas which provide a tranquil backdrop to your stop.
9. Thetford Forest, Suffolk.  Around High Lodge Forest Centre there are 35 picnic benches and tables, so you have a great selection of places to set down the picnic basket and relax. 
10. Alice Holt Forest, Farnham, Surrey. A picnic place for everyone, whether you want a fun packed family picnic on the grassy meadow where children can play, or a more peaceful lunch at one of the many benches located amongst the trees

Pam Warhust, Forestry Commission Chair, says: “Our sites are a perfect venue for a tranquil and relaxing picnic with fantastic facilities amongst stunning scenery. Over half the population lives within six miles of one of our forests or woods, so why not make a day of it and get out and enjoy them this summer.” 

For more details visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ and type in the forest name you're looking for in the 'search' box

Treefest 26-29 August

Festival of the Tree, Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Westonbirt Arboretum is hosting Treefest from 26-29 August, a 4-day festival that celebrates 'all that our trees and nature inspire'.

There's plenty going on including music, crafts and workshops.

Find out more on the Treefest webpage

Bank Holiday Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watch: What's On & Where

With the last bank holiday of the summer coming up this weekend it's a great time to get out and about and explore the countryside, coast or forests and enjoy a bit of wildlife watching at the same time.

There are events going on all over the UK this weekend (27/28/29 Aug 2011) so it's worth having a look at the websites of some of the main wildlife and 'outdoor' organisations for events or just for places to visit:

* RSPB
* Wildlife Trusts
* Woodland Trust
* Forestry Commission

Eco Holidays

Go Green For Your Holiday – It’s Easy

Being green can reach all corners of your life – from what food you eat, to where you shop, how much energy you use in your home and what car you drive. Nowadays you don’t have to forget about your green conscience when you take a holiday, there are lots of people out there who care as much about the environment as you do and embrace green practices in the running of their tourism services and businesses. 

Whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for there’s a good chance you can find a green version of it.

Like a bit of luxury? Being green doesn’t mean putting up with less quality or having to compromise on your holiday. The UK has some gorgeous boutique style hotels which readily combine luxury with eco friendly attributes.

Prefer something a bit less formal for your accommodation? Opt for a farmhouse B&B that has adopted its very own green agenda...

Want to self cater and have greater space and flexibility? There are plenty of green cottages and eco cabins out there to rent for a holiday or short break.

Is camping more your thing? Caravan and camp sites obviously haven’t forgotten the importance being green either. If you prefer camping with a touch of glamour – or glamping as it is fondly known – then you might even fancy a stay in an amazing yurt... the adventure and eco credentials of camping but, most would say, with a bit more comfort!

To discover green holidays in the UK click here

Wildlife Events

British Birdwatching Fair 2011

The British Birdwatching Fair is apparently the largest international birdwatching event. The fair takes place in Rutland in the East Midlands and runs from Friday 19th August to Sunday 21st August. There's lots going on for all the family - marquees to explore, lectures from some top 'wildlife' names plus activities for the children too.

Find out more about the event at the Birdfair website

Watch Ospreys In UK

Osprey Wildlife Experience

Ospreys are impressive birds to watch going about their lives, hunting and feeding.

There are several places where you can see ospreys in the UK and many of the osprey projects have visitor centres, live nest webcams and various wildlife events taking place at the moment.

Wild & Green have seleted a few key places to visit if you fancy watching ospreys and if you can't get along to see them 'for real' then you can click on these websites and watch some of the live webcams instead:

Rutland Water, Esat Midlands
Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders
Loch Garten, Scottish Highlands
Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Loch of Lowes, Scottish Highlands
Bassenthwaite, Cumbria
Kielder, Northumbria

Enjoy!

August Wildlife Watching Events

SNH Events This Month

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has details of some interesting events on its website for August. Details include:

* Guided Walks
* Moth Night
* Fungus Foray
* Permaculture

For more details visit the SNH website

Brit Info Has Wildlife Event Info

Looking for Wildlife Events?

The website Brit Info has a list of various wildlife events across the country taking place from now through to December.

Forthcoming wildlife events include:
* Birds of the Heath
* Fungus Foray
* Deer Walk
* Bats & Owls

Plus many others...

Visit the Brit Info website for more details

National Trust For Scotland Cottages

Ferry Cottage & Craggan Cottage, Balmacara Estate & Woodland Walks, Lochalsh House, Balmacara, Kyle of Lochalsh

The National Trust for Scotland has two self-catering properties on the Balmacara Estate near Kyle of Lochalsh. Both properties sleep up to four people and offer high quality accommodation with the added bonus of magnificent coastal views of Skye and Applecross. Guests also have full access to the many lovely areas within the Lochalsh Woodland throughout their stay. 

The cottages have been awarded Gold and Silver Green Tourism awards.

More on this and other eco friendly holidays at Wild & Green Escapes

You're Invited To Picnic In The Forest

The Big Forest Picnic
August 20th 2011

Wild & Green discovered on the Woodland Trust website that Visitwoods has teamed up with Progressio  and WWF in order to celebrate 2011 The Year of the Forest with the Big Forest Picnic.

 Some areas of the UK already have their picnics organised including:

• London
• Devon
• Durham
• Wales
• Scotland  

You can go along to one of these events or organise your own picnic.

Details of how to organise your own event are available via the Woodland Trust website plus you can download a free picnic pack too.

Stay On A Working Croft In Scottish Highlands

Bluebell Croft, Strontian, Ardnamurchan, Highlands

Bluebell Croft offers luxury 5 star self catering accommodation in Scotland with a giant hot tub, described by the Sunday Times as 'the best sited hot tub in Europe', a marvellous place to relax with a wonderful mountain view or under the stars.

Bill and Sukie are keen to share their life on a working croft with you and are almost self sufficient. The veggie garden and poly-tunnel provide masses of fruit and vegetables in season which you can buy to produce fabulous meals with no food miles.

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor experiences as it is located on the doorstep of the Ariundle Oakwoods, a national nature reserve. A wind turbine provides electricity and a wood burning boiler and solar array for hot water and heat.
Sukie and Bill have recently been runners up in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards in the Green Category, come and find out why! Find out more about the properties and about Sukie being a former Rural Chef of the Year on the eco friendly holiday website Wild & Green Escapes

Discover Green Wales

Wales- A Green & Pleasant Land!

Wales has plenty to offer the holiday maker - amazing wildlife, great scenery, stunning beaches and impressive mountains. It also has plenty to offer those of us looking for a greener eco-friendly holiday or short break.

Wild & Green has over 20 great places in Wales on its website that are all doing their bit for the environment. Wild & Green's eco friendly establishments in Wales include:
* Cottages
* Hotels
* B&Bs
* Log cabins
* Restauants....
*...even wigwams!

For more details visit the Wales pages on Wild & Green

Where To Find Wildlife Events

Wildlife Watching

If you're keen to learn more about wildlife and fancy joining the experts on an event or guided walk then you could try the following websites to discover upcoming events near you:
 

• Forestry Commission - runs wildlife watching, flower spotting and many other events at forests all over the country. Find details of events near you by visiting:

www.forestry.gov.uk/whatson

• International Year of the Forest 2011 - the Forestry Commission is running many events, projects and initiatives to celebrate the 2011 International Year of the Forest. More info at:

www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8BZHSM

• RSPB runs a varied programme of wildlife watching events all over the country, more info at:

www.rspb.org.uk/events/watching_wildlife.aspx

• Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucs - runs a varied programme of events throughout the year which include wildflower walks, British native trees walk, it's recognised as one of the best places to catch the autumn colours. For more details on Westonbirt events visit their website

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

• Wildlife Trusts - the subgroups of the Wildlife Trusts run events all over the country, more info at:

www.wildlifetrusts.org/

Green Holiday Shopping

Holiday Shopping @ Farmers Markets

When on your holidays in the UK you might want to do your bit for supporting the local economy and local food producers by shopping at a farmers markets.

Wild & Green Escapes has done some research and these websites look useful for finding out when and where farmers markets are running throughout the UK:

* UK http://www.farmersmarkets.net/
* Scotland  http://www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk/
* Wales http://www.fmiw.co.uk/

Happy shopping!

August Wildlife Watching Events

RSPB Wildlife Events In August

The RSPB run an amazing range of wildlife watching events all across the country and there's plenty of fascinating ones lined up throughout August including:

• minibeast safari
• birdwatching for beginners
• dragonfly watch
• puffin island cruises
• marvellous moths
• bat walk
• deer watch

Check out the full list of forthcoming events on the RSPB website

Wildlife Watching At Sea

Head To The Coast

Apparently the summer is a great time to head for the coast to try to spot whales, dolphins and porpoise, especially on the western side of the UK.

Resident pods of dolphins are to be found in Cardigan Bay, Wales, and Moray Firth near Inverness, Scotland but you could also spot whales and dolphins around much of the West coast of Scotland and also around Cornwall.

Dolphin and whale watching is strictly monitored in the UK so if you fancy trying to spot these amazing creatures then book yourself on to a proper organised boat trip.

Wild & Green has details of one such specialist operator, Marine Discovery Penzance, who run sea safari trips around Cornwall with the chance to spot not such whales and dolphins but abundant birdlife and grey seals as well.

More details on the Wild & Green website

Out & About In August

August Wildlife Watching

The Wild & Green website has been updated with ideas on what to look out for if you're exploring coast, country or sky this month - from what wildflowers are at their best now to what insects to keep an eye out for; plus it's berry time with blackberries and rowan berries spotted too...

More info on the Wild & Green wildlife watch page

Forest News

From Forestry Commission Scotland:

Cows Return To Cow Hill  

Cow Hill above Fort William could soon see the return of Black Grouse thanks to the intervention of Lochaber Forest District’s Highland Cattle herd. Acquired by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) in 2001 the site has benefited from new paths to improve access and is the home of a local allotment project.The addition of six cattle to the site is expected to have a significant impact on the local biodiversity.

Kenneth Knott, Environment Forester for the commission’s Lochaber team, said:“Using cattle to carry out work on sites such as Cow Hill, is a great way to improve the landscape and habitats in the area. Cow Hill was home to a large Black Grouse Lek for many years but after the removal of grazing animals in late 2003, the vegetation became too rank for the Black Grouse to thrive. By bringing the cattle back we hope to reverse that process.

“These animals have got a great temperament, can easily withstand the sort of weather that’ll get thrown at them up on the hill and, most importantly, they can forage on the poorer grasses and heather. Their grazing will help to ‘tame’ the site and, as well as providing benefits to other wildlife, this should help return the site to the sort of condition that is more favourable for Black Grouse.”

The rare Chequered Skipper butterfly is also present at Cow Hill and this is another – perhaps more important - reason for bringing cattle back onto the site. Chequered Skippers are found only within 25 miles of Fort William and nowhere else in the UK. 

Tom Prescott, of the Butterfly Conservation Scotland, said: “Together with FCS we have pioneered specific management techniques – including cattle grazing - at the Butterfly Reserve at Allt Mhuic, Loch Arkaig, to benefit the Chequered Skipper butterfly and other important butterflies, such as Pearl-bordered Fritillary. This approach had great success, so we’re delighted to see this technique being applied across more sites.

“Applying these techniques at Cow Hill should improve the fortunes of Chequered Skipper and make it an easily accessible site for both locals and visitors to Fort William to see this rare and butterfly.”