ISLAND HOP TO THE ANIMALS LEARN FROM AN EXPERT

Pembrokeshire

Atlantic grey seal, dolphin, porpoise, puffin, Manx shearwater and colonies of northern gannet are all likely to be encountered on this wildlife tour of Pembrokeshire and its offshore islands including Skomer, Grassholm and Ramsey. The former is home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in the south of Britain as well as little and short-eared owls, fulmar, guillemot, razorbill, shag and oystercatcher. Time and weather permitting, you will also visit Stackpole and Bosherston Lakes renowned for their otters.

Travelling Naturalist (01305 267994; naturalist. co.uk) offers this five-day tour from £1,295, including hotel accommodation, most meals,

guides and boat trips

Somerset

Explore the Somerset Levels, an internationallyimportant wetland adjacent to Glastonbury Tor, with TV naturalist, Mike Dilger. This network of reserves is home to bearded tit, Cetti’s warbler and several species of rare orchids. It is also the best place in the UK for seeing herons, while common cranes have been successfully re-introduced. The ancient wet grasslands are also home to newts, reptiles and dragonflies, which in spring provide prey for migrating hobbies. You will also visit a heronry and listen for booming bitterns in the reedbeds.

Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302086; wildlifeworldwide.com) offers four days from £795 including half-board accommodation