Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

It is amazing just how many birds can be seen on a very cold but sunny day in South Devon. Small birds included Firecrest and Goldcrest, Cirl Bunting and Chiffchaff; also large birds such as Buzzard and a Peregrine Falcon. And during the cruise on the River Dart we were spoiled for choice; Grey Herons, Egrets, Oystercatchers, Redshank and many more, and a grey seal loitering on a pontoon. But the prize of the day goes to the Great Northern Diver which was happy to entertain us for 10 minutes or more. Our tour leader was excellent in giving us tips on how to distinguish between similar birds by sight and sound. And being a local to the area he also gave us some history about places that we visited both on foot and on the river trip.

I have been on many holidays with Naturetrek and always found the organization of the tour to be excellent, and the tour leaders very knowledgable. The choice of destinations is worldwide and well chosen.

A dull and misty day which seemed very unpromising at first but Jessica's keen and expert eye managed to find 46 species going about their everyday business whatever the weather. In spite of the cold the day passed all too quickly, and with a grand finale of starlings murmuring into the reeds at dusk, we made the most of the light we had.

Brilliant

A very enjoyable day led by Chris Griffin. He shared his in depth knowledge of the area and wildlife. We saw so much more than had we been on our own. Chris identified all the birds many of which we would have missed without his guidance.

Naturetrek is a tour operator that cares about its customers and has great customer service. We have been on a few of their holidays and will go with them again.

Seal watching and birding on the Norfolk coast

Excellent. Well organised, friendly and efficient

It takes a certain level of hope and expectation to get one out of bed more than an hour before dawn on a grey sleety day in winter with the temperature only just over freezing point. Hope and expectation there was aplenty, because was it time for another Naturetrek day trip - this time to Oxfordshire. We were rewarded with lots of farmland birds, including more singing Corn Buntings in one place than I've heard or seen anywhere in the UK in any season. The guide, Martin, was really knowledgeable and helpful, and we had an enjoyable day's walk. Even the sun came out at the end of the day, reflecting my brightened spirits.

Why do I go on Naturetrek day trips in the UK when I can (and sometimes do) just jump in the car and go to a nature reserve on my own? Because it's so much better if the tour is to the right place (and the right parts of the right place), with someone who seemingly has eyes in the back of their head to spot the wildlife that I've missed, who can tell me about a bird one minute and a plant or insect the next. They've got the right routes - often adapted to the circumstances on the day - and all of the logistics are worked out: in the case of multi-day or foreign trips, the hotels are excellent and full of character. I'm also in the company of other pleasant, like-minded guests (Covid-limited, of course). Plus all of the back-office stuff (bookings, admin, etc) is smooth, communications are good and everyone is so friendly yet professional. And always good value for money.

It was only 1 day, and we spent the morning watching grey seals and their many different behaviours, and the afternoon chasing bearded tits and marsh harriers, whilst hearing cranes in the distance. It only rained once and for December day it was relatively mild. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves

The best we have ever been involved with. You can still have conversations with individuals, its like a large scale very personal and well run business

Visited parts of the Forest we had never explored before on our one day trip with Tom. Great grey strike to marsh tit we had a very enjoyable birding experience. Also encountered a little Forest bathing in the glow of the evening sunset. Lovely time in the heart of the Forest. Thank you.

Extremely knowledgeable and companionable tour guide who was obviously passionate about his local area. Also found us a very good local pub for lunch.

A day, mostly birding in different locations in the Forest of Dean. The Guide was friendly, knowledgeable and had excellent bird “spotting” skills. The pace was relaxed and we were a group of six including our Guide. I really enjoy the Naturetrek day trips and have done several. First class trips.

They offer a good variety of trips and you know the Guides will be excellent. Their website is easy to use and their telephone response is always very good.

A week long botany holiday to see the spectacular autumn flowers (crocuses, cyclamen etc.) and other plants in the Greek Peloponnese, taking in the mountains and coast. There was also the opportunity to see some of the archaeological sites and sample some Greek hospitality.

The tour operator was really helpful and efficient, and the tour guide's botanical and geographical knowledge of the holiday location was second to none.

We visited Spurn Head, Flamborough and Bempton Cliffs looking for birds and wildlife. It was well led and Covid safe. The hotel was excellent. The weather was mostly good and the scenery was lovely.

Naturetrek