If you think rock-pooling and wildlife spotting are for kids then think again….

The Budock Vean country house estate on Cornwall's Helford River has created its first expert-guided Spring Wildlife Break with grown-ups in mind from Sunday 1st to Friday 6th May this year.

On land, sea and river - by foot, boat and kayak – guests signed up as “Citizen Scientists” will be exploring and reporting back on the diverse flora and fauna of the Budock Vean's surrounding Helford Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Sumptuous dinner, bed and breakfast and use of all golf and leisure facilities are interspersed with four days of trips, talks and activities for a small group of wildlife watchers – some fixed (including an after-dark visit to the Cornwall Beaver Project) and some with a menu of activities to get involved with.

“We are surrounded by extraordinary natural phenomena – including the rare habitat known as the Atlantic temperate rainforest on the banks of the Helford - yet many of us have little idea what's right in front of our eyes or under our feet,” says the Budock Vean's owner Martin Barlow. “Clearly there's a real interest in learning more about the creatures which share our amazing planet – and their battle for survival. We're bringing together some of the world-class experts we are lucky enough to call our friends and neighbours to share their insight and knowledge in our first Spring Wildlife Break.”

The trip begins with a safari on one of the pristine local beaches led by prominent marine ecologist Dr Ben Holt, Co Founder and CEO of The Rockpool Project – seeking out and logging the weird, wonderful and intriguing creatures to be found in their watery worlds.

Day two is an evening excursion for the wildlife watchers – well wrapped up and with torches – to enter the realm of the Cornwall Beaver Project – a collaboration of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust (one of four charities supported by the Budock Vean) and Woodland Valley Farm who are re-introducing beavers back into Cornwall for the first time since they were hunted to extinction 400 years ago.

Options on day three include a guided nature walk with Paul Miller, a kayak or river-boat trip with the team from Koru Kayaking on the oak-lined Helford River – keeping an eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and seals – or a second rock-pooling excursion with Dr Ben Holt.

Day four heads out of the Helford into Falmouth Bay with AK Wildlife Cruises and the chance to spot dolphins, basking sharks, seals and even whales alongside the sublime land and seascapes of this unspoilt part of the world.

Friday's departure day is a chance to relax in the Budock Vean's Natural Health Spa, swimming pool or new outdoor hot-tub-with-a-view – or have a round of golf or a game of tennis.

Since it is Spring the Budock Vean's 65 acres of sub-tropical gardens, fairways and ancient woodland will be ablaze with magnolia, camelia, azalea and rhododendron – as will the neighbouring world-famous ravine gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan.

The price per person for the Budock Vean's five day Spring Wildlife Break is from £760 in a Standard room to £1030 per person in a Signature room – with details available at https://www.budockvean.co.uk/news/spring-wildlife-break/ .

For more about the Budock Vean and all it offers visit www.budockvean.co.uk or call the friendly team on 01326 252100.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• A dropbox of high res Budock Vean and wildlife images can be found at

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4glgi65nona3jdz/AAACEoCR9Psz-nqPnP1R_Zrra?dl=0

• The Budock Vean Hotel is a family run four-star country house hotel which has its Natural Health Spa, a 1920's designed James Braid golf course, a spectacular indoor swimming pool with log fire, sauna, outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, private foreshore and award-winning restaurant specialising in best Cornish produce. The hotel's 65 acres of sub-tropical gardens running down to the Helford River are set amid some of the most beautiful natural coastal and river scenery in the country.
  For more please see budockvean.co.uk  

Contacts:-

Budock Vean – Marketing Manager Nicky Miller - 01326 252112 - marketing@budockvean.co.uk  or

Louise Midgley Communications -  07831 696093 /  01326 319884 / louise@midgleycomms.co.uk