Somerset Safari

"And this our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything." - Wm. Shakespeare, 'As You Like It - Act 2, Scene 1'

Shakespeare's heartfelt homage to the wisdom of the natural world echoes the abundant beauty found in The Newt’s gardens, woodlands, and water features. The estate is blessed to have a wonderful diversity of wildlife, from the myriad micro-organisms in our soils, enigmatic newts and arthropods in our watercourses, furry mammals and scaley reptiles in the woods, to the plethora of feathered friends singing out from above.

Join our resident ecologist, Tom, as he brings you closer to the wild things, tells their stories, and gives you practical advice on how to enhance habitat at your home in order to help protect and observe the creatures that indicate a healthy ecosystem.

This workshop will begin by opening a moth-trap set the night before, and then take the form of a guided walk throught the estate, delving into the ecology. You will learn to identify species of insects, newts, and birds, and how to spot the signs of mammals from badger and deer to hares and hedgehogs. You will be shown examples of bird boxes (and crucially how to position them correctly), hibernacula, bug hotels, pollinator-friendly planting, coppicing for habitat and the importance of introducing water features into your garden.

All equipment and materials are provided. Suitable clothing for being out in the countryside is suggested.

Coffee (and tea) and cinnamon buns on arrival are included.