Welcome To The Kingfisher Wildlife Diaries – John Bailey
December 8th 2009
Watch the Wild Otters
Most naturalists have never even seen a wild otter. They remain one of the most cherished and sought after trophies in the UK today. Of course, at Kingfishers, we don't make wild promises but what we're offering is a weekend in March where you might, just might see that wild otter yourself. What we will pretty well guarantee, though, is that you will learn a massive amount about these fascinating, beautiful, secretive animals. On our walks through the gorgeous Wensum valley, you will know just how close you are...often the animals will have been there just hours before us, leaving very noticeable, tell-tale signs to their presence and their activities. We will be walking their trails, looking for their clues, interpreting their lifestyles. And, just perhaps...
In essence, the concept is this. On Friday 19th March, you arrive at your Kingfisher Apartment. We'll have dinner in the Clubhouse here and discuss the two days to come. We'll look at maps. Take in photographs. Lay out our plans.
Saturday 20th March. After breakfast, we will spend the vast majority of the day walking stretches of the River Wensum well-known for otter activity. These stretches will be all but private so you will know the otters have very little threat to their peace and serenity. We'll probably take a packed lunch with us and we'll aim to get back to the apartments as dusk falls.
We'll get ready for dinner and talk about the exciting discoveries we have uncovered during the course of the day.
We might even plan a pre-breakfast stake out at a place where we fancy our very best chances of seeing an otter at work.
Sunday 21st March. Those that want, perhaps pre-dawn start. Then, for them and the rest, there will be breakfast and a visit to another stretch of river.
Then, over lunch, we will discuss our findings again and be joined by a couple of local otter experts who will give their views on the discoveries we've made. The otter team will disperse during the afternoon but, for those intent on seeing their otter there might just be a last chance of a sighting before dusk.
The price for this otter weekend is £225 per person which includes dinner, bed and breakfast along with packed lunch on Saturday and Clubhouse lunch on Sunday. Also included is all guiding and access to the secluded River Wensum.
There is a £30 per person per night supplement for single occupancy.
We would advise very speedy booking on this offer. Places are strictly limited because, simply, the nature of the otter does not encourage large groups. Contact Kristina Middleton for further details now.