Flower and butterfly breaks
The limestone soil of Portland encourages a truly unique
fauna and flora. Bee and Pyramidal orchids abound in June, with
Autumn Ladies Tresses appearing in late August. Early Gentians
are one of the island's specialities, and in East Dorset we'll
see them growing alongside Early Spider Orchids.
The quarries of Portland are home to the grassland race of the
Silver-studded Blue Butterfly, found nowhere else in the UK.
Small and Adonis Blues are also found, along with Common,
Chalkhill and Holly Blues. Lulworth Skippers have recently
spread to the island, and some years large numbers of Clouded
Yellows arrive from the continent.
The shingle bank of Chesil Beach is bare most of the year, but
turns green in June, with many rare species such as Sea Pea, Sea
Kale and Yellow Horned-Poppy.
A typical itinerary
Friday :
6.00 pm - meet in the hotel for an introductory talk. As well as
looking at slides of the birds you are likely to see, Bob will plan
the weekend taking into account any particular species you hope
to see or sites you wish to visit.
7.30 pm - dinner in the hotel restaurant overlooking Chesil Beach
and The Fleet.
Saturday :
6.00 am - if it's light we'll get up early for a dawn seawatch at
The Bill
(or you can stay in bed if you prefer!)
8.00 am - back to the hotel for a well-earned Full English Breakfast
9.00 am - board minibus for the first of the day's visits
1.00 pm - packed lunch at one of the stops
5.00 pm - return to the hotel
6.45 pm - meet in the hotel bar to go through the day's checklist
- free drinks all round if we get 100 in the first day!
7.00 pm - dinner
Sunday :
8.00 am - breakfast
9.00 am - board minibus for the first of the day's visits
1.00 pm - packed lunch at one of the stops
4.00 pm - return to the hotel for a Dorset Cream Tea and final checklist
You may be interested to see what previous guests have seen on their
special interest breaks. Please
click here to see what might await you on such a trip.
What you will need to bring
Each weekend is different, but usually we cover up to 5 miles
on foot each day over a wide variety of terrains and in all weathers,
... so you're advised to bring:
- good footwear (walking boots and wellingtons)
- warm waterproof clothing, including over-trousers
- a sun hat and sun block (from April to October)
- a thermos flask
- and of course, binoculars!
List of dates
Below you will find dates for our Bird, Jurassic Coast and Butterflies
& Flowers Special Interest Breaks.
We are also able to offer you a bespoke break. This enables you
to choose your dates and mix itineraries to suit your exact requirements.
Please contact us to discuss
2010
January 22nd - 24th - birdbreak
February 19th - 21st - birdbreak
March 19th - 21st - birdbreak
April 16th - 18th - birdbreak
May 21st - 23rd - birdbreak
June 11th- 13th - butterflies/flowers
September 24th - 26th - birdbreak (full)
October 15th - 17th - birdbreak
November 12th - 14th - birdbreak
2011
Jan 7th - 9th Bargain Birdbreak
Jan 21st - 23rd Bargain Birdbreak
Feb 18th - 20th Birdbreak
Mar 18th - 20th Birdbreak
April 15th - 17th Birdbreak
May 20th - 22nd Birdbreak
June 17th - 19th Butterflies & Wildflowers
July 22nd - 24th Butterflies & Wildflowers
Sept 23rd - 25th Birdbreak
Oct 14th - 16th Birdbreak
Nov 11th - 13th Bargain Birdbreak
To avoid disappointment we would strongly advise booking early as these breaks are very popular.
