Eco Friendly Welsh B&B

The Old Vicarage, Dolfor, Newtown, Powys

At the Old Vicarage you can enjoy log fires, a cosy sitting room and a restaurant perfect for a leisurely organic breakfast and candlelit dinners.The views surrounding this Newtown bed and breakfast accommodation are magnificent and stretch for miles over the Montgomeryshire countryside.

There is a licensed restaurant where you can enjoy a relaxing dinner prepared and served by the owners, Tim and Helen Withers. Their pedigree is impeccable; they worked with Joyce Molyneux, whose Carved Angel at Dartmouth was one of the country's best restaurants in the 1970's and 1980's. Simon Hopkinson once wrote of Tim's ethereal cheese soufflé baked with parmesan and cream, describing it as possibly the finest example outside of the kitchens of Le Gavroche.

Wines are organic and menus use the best of local organic produce. The kitchen garden, polytunnel and free-range hens all contribute to a truly warm, relaxing and memorable stay in Wales.

Find out more about this eco friendly holiday on the Wild & Green Escapes website.

Snowdrop Walks

With February just around the corner and signs of spring appearing in gardens and parks already, the snowdrops have been putting on a show in some areas a week or so earlier than expected.

As January draws to a close we begin to enter the more 'traditional' snowdrop season and these pretty little flowers are a great excuse to grab family & friends and head off to the woods to enjoy some wintery sunshine.

Wild & Green has listed below some great spots to visit to see snowdrops in all their glory...

 ·         Painswick Rococo Garden in the Cotswolds
·         Hartland Abbey & Gardens, Devon
·         Mere House, Kent

• Rode Hall & Gardens, Cheshire

• Hodsock Priory, Nottinghamshire

To search for other snowdrop woods near you try these websites:

* Great British Gardens

* National Trust

Forests Given Space To Breathe

Breathing Space for Pembrey and Penybedd  

Forestry Commission Wales is beginning work to give two Carmarthenshire forests more breathing space and make them more attractive places to visit.

The Commission is thinning selected areas of Pembrey and Penybedd forests by removing trees from some areas, providing more space and light for wildlife and allowing native trees to regenerate.

As well as helping the remaining trees to grow, the work will also improve the health of the forests by combating the disease known as red band needle blight, which has infected some of the trees.

Forestry Commission Wales Community Ranger Jonathan Price said, “This important work is part of our ongoing management of these forests for the benefit of all users and to improve the forest environment for the future.
This is part of the first year of a programme that will run over the next five to 10 years at Pembrey and Penybedd, which are home to many migrant songbirds as well as birds of prey, including the sparrowhawk and goshawk.”

Pembrey and Penybedd, which cover 1,200 hectares, make up some of Britain's sand dune forests, which are unusual and have become of great interest to naturalists. Pembrey also forms part of a Special Site of Scientific Interest.

Jonathan added, “We apologise for any inconvenience, but we will keep locals informed while the work is going on through signs in those small areas where access will be temporarily restricted.”

Stay On A Working Scottish Croft

Bluebell Croft, Strontian, Ardnamurchan, Scottish Highlands

Bluebell Croft offers luxury 5 star self catering in Scotland with Honeysuckle House sleeping up to 8, Rose Cottage sleeping 2-4, or as the whole house sleeping 12 in great comfort. It is separated by a huge conservatory, normally used by Honeysuckle, which leads out to the 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. They also said 'the cottage and food are heavenly', and 'stunningly lovely fare'.

Bill and Sukie are keen to share their life on a working croft with you and are almost self sufficient including milking a Jersey cow, keeping two pigs and lots of chooks, ducks and geese for meat and eggs. 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.

If you feel like a night off Sukie can leave a casserole in the Aga or supper/dinner of up to 4 courses using all the wonderful ingredients from the croft and smokehouse. She is a former Rural Chef of the Year.

Both houses share a spectacular, elevated West Coast location on Ardnamurchan, with stunning views of mountains across the Strontian glen in the West Highlands of Scotland. Well behaved dogs are welcome with care.

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor experiences being 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 on the eco & wildlife friendly holidays website Wild & Green Escapes

60,000 Trees Planted

Replanting Crowthorne Forest Begins  

The first of 60,000 new trees were planted at Crowthorne Forest recently to replace those destroyed by forest fires in May last year.  Some 300 local volunteers came forward to help the Forestry Commission plant the trees following the worst forest fires in Berkshire's history.

The Forestry Commission drafted in foresters from as far a field as the New Forest to help plant the thousands of young saplings and support the army of volunteers. Local residents, members of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Crown Estate, scouts and local businesses were among those digging in to replant Crowthorne Forest.

The task to plant all 60,000 trees is expected to take several months with professional tree planters and help from local volunteers. The young trees require many years of care with weeding, protecting trees from deer, rabbits, pests and diseases.  Any tree that dies within the first few years is removed and replaced, a task known in forestry as ‘beating up’.

Emily Weller, project manager for Crowthorne volunteers, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has offered to help as we have had an overwhelming number of phone calls and emails.  We hope that it is great event for everyone, an opportunity for local people to get together, enjoy time out in the great outdoors and help the forest get on the road to recovery.”

The volunteer tree-planting event in Crowthorne Forest is marking the launch of the Forestry Commission’s new nationwide volunteering programme and partnership with Volunteering England. 

Thousands of unique and exciting volunteering opportunities are available in more than 40 forests. From tree planting to mountain bike trail building and pond clearance to creating new habitat for rare butterflies, birds or leading forest walks, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/england-volunteering or contact the local forest office.

How Do Age A Hedgerow?

We thought this was a fascinating little 'snippet' on how to age a hedgerow...

Apparently you can work out a rough age of an established country hedgerow by applying the following 'formula':

Work out the length of approx 30 metres of the hedgerow and then count the number of different trees and shrubs in that length. When you've worked out the number of plants multiply this by 100 and that gives you an approximate age for the hedgerow as, reportedly, a new species establishes itself roughly every 100 years!

You can find out more about hedgerows and their value to the wildlife and the UK countryside on the BBC Nature website, including a great little (2 minute) video of Bill Oddie explaining the 'age a hedge' principal in action!  There's some lovely wild flowers in the video too...

Enjoy!

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2012

The RSPB are running the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend again this year and absolutely anyone can take part, according to their website all you need is:

• A pen and paper to record what birds you see
• A garden or local park where you can watch and note the birds you see
• One hour of your time on the weekend of January 28th / 29th 2012!
• If you're a beginner then a handbook to help you identify the birds would be good as well

Head to the Big Garden Birdwatch website for details on how to get involved, what to record and where to send your findings to.

Are We Having An Early Spring?

We may be forecast a cold spell for the next few days or so but the recent mild weather has sent many plants, shrubs and flowers in to 'spring mode'.

Snowdrops  have already been spotted in many parts of the UK, has have the pretty yellow woodland flowers of Celandine.

The Woodland Trust are asking people to get involved with nature and send in details of their 'spring sightings' to be added to the UK map on their website.

The Woodland Trust website also has details of nature and wildlife fact packs which are free to download as well as information on how to send in your nature sighting information and a UK map on which you can track what is happening where in nature all over Great Britain.

Find out more at: http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/visit-woods/for-nature/Pages/nature.aspx

Fancy Becoming A Forest Volunteer?

From the Forestry Commission:

Forest Diary, (Entry Ten -11/1/2012)

"A multitude of volunteers play an integral role in helping to conserve wildlife and habitats and enhance visitor enjoyment in the New Forest. There are over 250 people that undertake voluntary work through one of two Forestry Commission schemes – the Volunteer Rangers and the Two Trees Conservation Team. But we are in need of more help and support from local residents in order to protect the natural beauty of the New Forest.

"As Volunteer Ranger Coordinator, it’s my job to ensure the volunteer rangers focus on public facing duties, such as providing information and leading walks. The Two Trees Conservation Team meanwhile, is more involved in the practical management of the countryside, including conservation tasks.

"Our volunteers come from all age groups and walks of life. Some people have free time to commit to helping us during the week and others work with us at weekends. Our volunteers all have two things in common though – a love of the New Forest and the enthusiasm to help in its management. The Forestry Commission volunteers are passionate about the forest and enjoy spending time outdoors; conserving this unique and very special piece of England that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.

"There’s a whole host of duties to carry out as a volunteer and the tasks are so diverse that there are many opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. In spring and summer, volunteer rangers can be found attending public events, patrolling the forest to make sure that the public enjoy their visit, manning the information unit at Bolderwood and leading guided walks. They also help with maintenance at the New Forest Reptile Centre once a month.

"In autumn and winter, conservation tasks are carried out, such as clearing the edges of woodland tracks to improve butterfly habitats and removal of seedling pine regeneration from heathland, to provide a good habitat for birds such as the Dartford Warbler. Throughout the year there are also some great seasonal opportunities like helping the Agisters with the pony round ups and selling Christmas trees.

"The start of the new year is the perfect opportunity to learn some unique skills and gain a new hobby, so why not volunteer some of your spare time in the New Forest as your 2012 New Year’s resolution and help us conserve this special area?"

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest or phone 023 8028 6840              
   .
The New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest Volunteering Centre will be hosting the second annual New Forest volunteer fair on Saturday 3 March in Lyndhurst. The free fair will be held at the Lyndhurst Community Centre from 10.30am to 4pm. For more information, please call 01590 646681 or email events@newforestnpa.gov.uk

Vicky Myers, Forestry Commission Volunteer Ranger Coordinator

Scottish Wildlife Holiday Offer

Glenloy Wildlife are based in the stunning Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands and run all inclusive wildlife holidays in this area.

Guests stay at Glenloy Lodge for up to 7 days -all meals and transport during your stay is included - and enjoy the chance to see this amazing part of the Highlands and the wildlife that inhabits it, all lead by naturalists John and Angela Mercer.  There's a great 'taster video' on the Glenloy website showcasing this gorgeous part of Scotland and its wildlife.

Glenloy are currently holding 2011 prices for all 2012 holiday bookings, you just need to make your booking before January 31st to qualify!

Find out more at   http://www.glenloy-wildlife.org.uk/  and please mention Wild & Green Escapes if you make a booking with Glenloy! Thanks!

Watch Stars & Wildlife At Forest Park

Star Gazing Extravaganzas Help Chase The January Blues Away

We know we're all about wildife and nature watching but we couldn't resist mentioning the star gazing events being held in the Galloway Forest Park - this is a brilliant area for daytime wildlife spotting, Solway Firth for the birds, the Red Kite Trail in the hills, deer in the park itself - but the park is also gaining a great reputation as a top place to watch the night sky thanks to the low levels of light pollution in this part of south west Scotland.

So, if youy fancy discovering the night sky in the forest during this month and next, read on...

Anyone looking for a stunning way to get over the January blues is invited to join one of a series of night time trips to Galloway Dark Sky Park and be star-struck!

Forestry Commission Scotland's Galloway team says that although we're half way through the 2011/12 observing season (October to April), it's not yet too late to look skyward and experience something amazing - and profound.

Lucy Hadley, Recreation Ranger with the Commission's Galloway team, said:
"Winter on a clear night is the best time to go star-gazing because it gets properly dark early on in the evening. In a town or city, or even if you stay in a rural area that's not far from a big town or city, light pollution can really spoil darkness. But come into the forest where there's no light pollution and the night sky is really opened up to reveal things that you can't normally see.
It's an amazing sight to look up at the night sky and see light that has taken millions of years to cross space to reach your eye. It can be quite a profound and humbling experience but without a doubt it's the best lightshow you'll ever see!"

A number of events across January and February will help newcomers and experienced star-gazers to get the most out of a trip to the park. 

Stargazing For Beginners - Monday 23rd January 7pm
Go along to Kirroughtree visitor centre and join Forestry Commission Scotland staff on a visual tour of the Galloway Forest Park's Dark Sky.

Dark Sky Park Trip - Friday 27th January
Join Forestry Commission Scotland staff at Glentrool on a night focussing on the dark skies of Galloway. Transport will be laid on from Castle Douglas (5.30pm pick up) then picking up at Gatehouse, Creetown and Newton Stewart. Due to the limited number of places available at the venue booking is essential for this event. Reserve your place by calling 01671 402 420. Cost - £10 if making your own way there and paying at the door, £17 if making use of return transport.

Starlight Serenade, - Tuesday 14th February 7pm-8pm
Stuck for Valentines day gift ideas? Dazzle your darling and join Forestry Commission Staff at Kirroughtree visitor centre for an introduction to the UK's only Dark Sky Park and an evening under our bewitching night sky.

Stargazing For Beginners - Thursday 16th February 7pm
Join Forestry Commission Scotland staff at Kirroughtree visitor centre on a visual tour of the Galloway Forest Park's Dark Sky.

Anyone going along to the 23 January or either of the February events should wrap up very warm and bring a torch with a red filter if they have one. As a mark of appreciation for these events a £3 donation to Galloway Forest Park Astronomy Society would also be very welcome.

All events (except the Dark Sky Park Trip) are weather dependent. Check the Commission's Dark Sky Park webpage for updates before going along to an event just in case. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-8aul9p

Eco Friendly Escape In Wales

Lon Lodges, Nantmel, Rhayader, Powys

Ash and Sycamore Lodges are situated at The Lon, a family run hill farm, just four miles from the small market town of Rhayader. Both lodges have been sustainably built using locally sourced timber. Sleeping six people in each lodge, they offer luxury accommodation within the relaxing and beautiful countryside of Mid Wales.

Ash and Sycamore are great places to relax and unwind and perfect bases from which to explore central Wales. There are lots of wonderful walks, peaceful lanes to cycle and many mountain biking tracks.

Nature reserves, pony trekking, and fishing are on the doorstep and the area is a bird watchers' paradise. Fungi forays or guided mushroom hunts are a local speciality! Red kites fill the skies and The Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Station is nearby, just outside Rhayader. The reservoirs and the unique open moorlands of the Elan Valley are just a few miles away and are a joy to explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
Discover more on the eco & wildlife friendly holiday website Wild & Green Escapes

Discounts At Eco Friendly Yorkshire B&B

Low Penhowe B&B, North Yorkshire

4 nights B&B at Low Penhowe - £88 per room per night (£44 per person per night) compared to £108 – this represents a 20% discount! Just mention Wild & Green Escapes when you make your booking.

It's always reassuring to stay at a bed and breakfast that has a good profile and has received fabulous reviews on TripAdvisor. Low Penhowe has won many awards for quality, service and a naturally friendly eco approach. Twice selected as Visit York's Guest Accommodation of the Year. Not forgetting the award winning Yorkshire Breakfast which will all be home-grown, home baked, or sourced locally within Yorkshire.

Low Penhowe has south facing bedrooms with en-suite and private bathrooms overlooking well kept gardens and paddocks. From the bedrooms you may keep an eye on the Highland Cattle and watch the chickens pecking around and laying the eggs for your breakfast!

Low Penhowe's eco friendly credentials include the Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award and various Alastair Sawdays awards.

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

Wildlife Watching Events in 2012

Wild & Green Escapes lists details on a wide variety of wildlife watching events throughout the UK on its events calender on http://www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk/  and we will shortly be launching our 2012 events list.

In the meantime we've just heard about the Shetland Nature Festival which is running a wide range of activities including guided walks, family days out and evening talks. The festival runs from 5th-12th July 2012 and details are still being finalised but you can keep up to date as events are confirmed by visiting:

* Shetland Nature Festival website
* Shetland Nature Festival on Twitter - details on their website
* Shetland Nature Festival on Facebook - details on their website

Escape to Exmoor With A Special Offer

Exmoor House January dinner bed and breakfast deal

How about a January break on beautiful Exmoor? You can enjoy a weekend dinner, bed & breakfast break (3 or more nights) at Exmoor House for the same price as midweek - i.e from only £174 per person for a 3-night stay. Please quote WGJanDBB when booking.

Exmoor House January bed and breakfast special offer

Bed and breakfast in the heart of Exmoor for three or more nights for only £42 per person. This offer is valid until 31st January 2012. Please quote WGJanBB when booking.

Call Exmoor House now on 01643 841432  to make your booking and please mention you heard about this offer from Wild & Green Escapes!

NB: all prices are based on two people sharing a double or twin-bedded room

Find out more about Exmoor House on the Wild & Green Escapes website

Wildlife Watch - Honey Buzzards

Camcorder To Rescue As Honey Buzzards Spread Their Wings

Bird experts have unveiled their latest weapon in a bid to shed light on the secret life of the elusive honey buzzard – a camcorder. The tree-mounted camcorder was moved between carefully selected sites by Forestry Commission Wales to track the movements and habits of the rare bird of prey – so-called because of its unique diet.

Forestry Commission Wales Conservation and Heritage Manager Rosalind Codd said, “Birds can change nest locations each breeding season and a camcorder is useful for recording previously ringed birds, for example, as it can be moved between nests. Our mobile nest camera project proved very successful in its first year, with a number of active nests found and filmed in detail. Footage such as hunting patterns, nest building, feeding behaviour, growth and activity of chicks was recorded, and we were able to begin identifying individual birds in each nest.”

Honey buzzards build their nests on branches of large trees and are usually found in areas where there are big mature forests, such as those in South Wales, but the exact location of their nests is closely guarded because of the threat from egg collectors.

The birds arrive from their wintering grounds in equatorial Africa in mid-May and the adults fly non-stop back to Africa in September. Migrating birds have been tracked using satellite transmitters funded by Forestry Commission Scotland, which also demonstrated the vulnerability of young birds on their first migrations.

The honey buzzard population is stable through most of Europe but is a rare breeder in the UK. It’s not known how many there in Wales, partly due to the inconspicuous nature of the bird.

Forestry Commission Wales has also been funding the ringing of a number of chicks which could be identified by the camcorder to establish their age and determine the range that birds are prepared to travel to find a mate and establish new nest sites.

The honey buzzard is best identified by its long head shape and distinctive two or three bars on its tail. It is usually silent, but can make whistling noises near its nest and is sometimes confused with the common buzzard.

Honey buzzards feed mainly on the nests, larvae, pupae and adults of wasps, bees, bumblebees and hornets. The birds follow flying insects to the nest and dig as deep as 40cm with their feet to reach their prey.
It has small, dense, scale-like feathers on the front of its face to help prevent it being stung by its prey, and powerful feet with thick scales and slightly curved claws of almost equal size for digging and walking, as well as slit-like nostrils to reduce soil blockage while digging.

When main prey is scarce, they will eat other insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, nestlings and eggs of birds, worms, fruit and berries. Its peculiar diet is also the reason behind its alternative name of “bee hawk”.