As the day draws towards a close many animals in the forest, such as deer and wild boar, begin to emerge. Unaware that predators such as wolves and lynx are now extinct in the UK, they carry on their lives as though they exists. They hide by day in the thicker fir tree forest or further away from the tracks and footpaths. As dusk beckons, these animal tentatively begin to appear more in the open, crossing tracks to seek feeding areas such as oak and beech woodland and patches of open grassland. It is this time of the day that we time our safaris, enjoying the last birdsong of the day and watching out for shy mammals to emerge.
While there is never a guarantee of seeing them, this makes the experience even more tantalising, with that possibility we will have that moment with them as they choose to be in our company while feeding or passing by.
The wildlife safaris are a great chance to experience the Forest of Dean at a time of the night when less people are around and to also see birds, trees, flowers and clues to the forest’s industrial history. Woodland birds such as song thrushes are nosily singing during spring evening’s, a woodcock may fly overhead while displaying and the first tawny owls of the night may ‘two-oo’. We occasionally see shy foxes and secretive otters, and there is even the rare yet possible chance of glimpsing one of the forest’s newest neighbours, a pine marten as it crosses a track.
As part of your wildlife safari experience, you will have a charcuterie board and glass of house wine at the hotel. This will take place either before or after your safari depending on the time of year (in winter it will be after; and in summer before). You will meet Ed Drewitt at a location in the Forest (directions will be provided) for a two hour walk. With luck you will spot deer, boar and much more! You can add an overnight stay at a special rate to your package. To book head to our Wildlife Safari page or call us on 01594 833046.