From time to time we can offer guests the chance to experience one of the natural phenomena that a busy modern lifestyle causes most of us to miss.

Signs of Spring. Walk, or explore by yourself.

Weekend afternoons on request

2 - 3 hours

The first signs of spring appear in the previous autumn. Last November I was picking sloes ('Mellow Fruitfullness' walk) sloes are better for a touch of frost; when I spotted catkins on an adjacent bush and flowering gorse. As the year turns there are more and more signs of spring for those who care to look. Feb 16: Now the first birds are renewing their nests; badgers and rabbits are making room for new families; snowdrops and daffodils are coming into bloom and everywhere the countryside is preparing for new life.

From 2 miles upwards according to the abilities of the participants.

The Bones of the Water Meadows. Walk, or explore by yourself.

Weekends, some evenings as the days lengthen.

1 - 2 hours.

This isn't really a wildlife event but the winter provides an excellent chance to inspect the remains of the extensive water meadow systems in the Frome Valley and the remarkable engineering that enabled them. You will see the carriers, the interleaved mains and drains, the hatches and the wares and some of the myriad of tiny bridges that were used to access the meadows. We may have time to see brick or earthen aqueducts, still working sluices and other structures.

2 - 4 miles. Clothing suitable for wet, muddy walking required.

If you didn't understand everything above then Farm Direct's Water Meadow pages explain the basics.

Dawn Chorus. Walk.

Mid March to the end of May: Two hours before sunrise.

3 hours

Walk just a short distance from The Casterbridge to be surrounded by the dawn chorus. The chorus peaks about the beginning of May but can be heard throughout the spring. Note that the later in the season you visit the earlier you will have to get up; by the end of May 3.30am is too late.

Walk: 2-3 miles. Optional shorter wheelchair route possible.

Sunday 6th May is International Dawn Chorus Day. Don't miss out; experience the dawn chorus with us at The Casterbridge.

Booking

E-mail reception for more details.

Caveat

Wildlife is never predictable. The weather, annual variation and a great many other factors can affect success. Whilst we will always do our best there can never be any guaranteed result. You greatly improve your chances if you can devote more then one day to the pursuit.

Packed Lunches

Please give us at least 24 hours notice if you would like us to prepare a packed meal for you.

Itineraries Page