Orchids in Oxfordshire

Date: Saturday 05 Jun 2010 Location: Near Nuffield, Oxfordshire

Wild Encounter : Orchids form one of the largest families of flowering plants with thousands of species distributed world-wide. Around 50 species grow in the UK. On this guided walk we will visit two areas that are home to common spotted, bee and pyramid orchids. Red kites and buzzards are often seen flying overhead and closer to the ground you may spot great green bushcrickets. On sunny days the site is good for watching butterflies, including green hairstreaks and marble whites. The reserve is on a steep bank and therefore not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Leader: Nigel Snell is the warden of the reserve.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for your walk, which will last around 1 1/2 hours.

Oxfordshire walk and badger watch

Date: Saturday 05 Jun 2010 Location: Wytham, Oxfordshire

Wild Encounter : Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) has been studying the diverse species of plants, birds and mammals in Wytham Woods for a long time. The badgers have been monitored continuously since 1972 and their numbers are expanding, with a current population of over 250.

Leader: Dr Chris Newman and Dr Christina Buesching of WildCRU.

Itinerary: You will meet at the University Field Station at 3.00pm for an introductory talk, followed by a walk in Wytham Woods. After a sandwich supper, included in the price, you will return to the woods for the badger-watch. The evening will finish by 10.30pm.

Briddlesford Spring Explorer

Date: Saturday 05 Jun 2010 Location: Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight

Wild Encounter : Join PTES for a Saturday morning stroll with a difference. Explore Briddlesford Woods, a site famous for its rare species such as dormice and red squirrels as well as woodland birds and carpets of bluebells. After your walk, tea and cakes will be served at our woodland hut and your wildlife questions will be answered by our expert guides.

Leader: The event will be led by Laura Hurt, PTES Conservation Officer and Briddlesford Wood Reserve Manager and Ian White, PTES Dormouse Officer.

Itinerary: Meet at 9.00am (for the best chance to see wildlife) and the walk will last around 2 hours. You will be back in time for elevenses!

Essex badger watch

Date: Wednesday 09 Jun 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Essex badger watch

Date: Thursday 10 Jun 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Cheshire Badger watch

Date: Thursday 10 Jun 2010 Location: Frodsham, Cheshire

Wild Encounter : In addition to providing care for sick and injured badgers, the Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group also investigates building proposals in an effort to protect badger habitats from encroaching development. Its members also monitor and record badger setts. The sett for this badger watch is home to four badgers which, along with their two cubs, gave hours of enjoyment to all visitors last year.

Leader: Brian Rhodes is a leading member of the Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group and has been watching badgers at this sett for 20 years.

Itinerary: You will meet Brian in the early evening for a badger watch that will last approximately two hours. There is no hide at this watch.

Water vole photography

Date: Saturday 12 Jun 2010 Location: West Malling

Wild Encounter : Water voles are fascinating creatures to watch and photograph. During this workshop you will learn the best ways to capture these rodents in the wild before heading out to try out your new skills. Terry will be available throughout the day to answer questions and advise on how to get the best shot.

Leader: Terry Whittaker, a well-respected wildlife photographer.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am for a tea or coffee and a talk about the site and plan for the day. You will then go out to the best spots to watch for water voles. Terry is happy to stay for as long as you wish to - the water voles are particularly active in early evening.

Big cats in Hertfordshire

Date: Saturday 12 Jun 2010 Location: Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Wild Encounter : The Cat Survival Trust began in 1976 and works to promote the conservation of wild cats. The trust owns a 10,000 acre reserve in Argentina where they conserve the entire habitat and protects other animals and fungi that make up the ecosystem on which the cats depend. The Trust also acts as a rescue organisation for �unwanted� cats from zoos and other collections. It currently cares for about 40 cats including puma, lynx, jaguar, bobcat, caracal and snow leopards to name a few!

Leader: A volunteer from the Cat Survival Trust will be your guide for the evening.

Itinerary: You will meet at 4pm to begin our tour of the centre. The event will finish at about 7pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available during the evening.

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 12 Jun 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Beavers in Devon

Date: Wednesday 16 Jun 2010 Location: Lifton

Wild Encounter : A pair of beavers from Bavaria have been released into a fenced wetland valley in Devon as a demonstration site for the species activities. We have arranged this exciting event at a time when there should be lots of field signs. Viewing will be at a specially designed beaver hide on the edge of a beaver pool.

Leader: A beaver expert from the site will be your guide for the day.

Itinerary: Please meet Derek at 3pm. The event will begin with a short presentation of the history and ecology of the European beaver. You will then walk out into the field site to see beaver signs. An early evening meal (not included in the price) will be followed by returning to the beaver hide at 6.30pm. The event will finish by 9pm.

Wildlife photography safari in London

Date: Friday 18 Jun 2010 Location: Rotherhithe

Wild Encounter : Discover some of London’s wildlife gems and brush-up your photography skills during this walking safari. Practical photography tuition will be tailored to the needs of those attending and will be suitable for beginners. With a focus on watching and photographing wildlife, the walking element will not be demanding.

Leader: Iain Green, wildlife photographer and author of ‘Wild London’.

Itinerary: You will meet Iain at 12pm. The event will finish at approximately 4pm

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 19 Jun 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Dormice in Kent

Date: Saturday 19 Jun 2010 Location: Chartham Hatch, Kent

Wild Encounter : Hunstead Wood is part of the Blean, a large area of woodland. In 2000 several dormouse boxes were donated by the Wildlife Corridors Project and put up in Hunstead Wood by a group of volunteers. The dormouse population has been monitored ever since. The site has high numbers of dormice so there will be a good chance of spotting some of these delightful creatures.

Leader: John Harling, Ruth Harling, Tim Flisher, Ken Campbell and Sally Huish monitor the dormouse population in Hunstead Wood.

Itinerary: You will meet at 9.30am to begin checking the boxes. The check should last for about two hours. If you need a bed & breakfast for the night please contact us for more details.

Cornwall safari

Date: Sunday 20 Jun 2010 Location: Penzance

Wild Encounter : Cornwall has a wealth of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. On this land-based 4x4 tour we will look for peregrine falcons, buzzards, ravens and choughs. As we travel along the coast we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, grey seals and even leatherback turtles. Adders, common lizards and slow worms are often seen basking and wild flowers will be blooming on the cliff-tops. Why not combine this event with the basking shark cruise?

Leader: Rory Goodall has an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Land’s End area.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for our tour which will last about four hours.

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 26 Jun 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Cornwall safari

Date: Sunday 27 Jun 2010 Location: Penzance

Wild Encounter : Cornwall has a wealth of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. On this land-based 4x4 tour we will look for peregrine falcons, buzzards, ravens and choughs. As we travel along the coast we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, grey seals and even leatherback turtles. Adders, common lizards and slow worms are often seen basking and wild flowers will be blooming on the cliff-tops. Why not combine this event with the basking shark cruise?

Leader: Rory Goodall has an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Land’s End area.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for our tour which will last about four hours.

Suffolk badger watch

Date: Friday 02 Jul 2010 Location: Ashbocking

Wild Encounter : In 1997 the Suffolk Wildlife Trust set up this comfortable hide at the top of a bank overlooking a badger sett. There is a microphone over the sett so that the badgers may be heard as well as seen. They have a surprisingly diverse repertoire of calls that range from irritated ‘geckers’ to warning barks and shrill ‘whinnies’. The badgers are not fed regularly. However, nuts will be provided in front of the hide before the watch to tempt the badgers close.

Leader: -

Itinerary: The badger-watch is likely to start at 7.30pm and will finish by 10.30pm.

Cheshire Badger watch

Date: Saturday 03 Jul 2010 Location: Frodsham, Cheshire

Wild Encounter : In addition to providing care for sick and injured badgers, the Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group also investigates building proposals in an effort to protect badger habitats from encroaching development. Its members also monitor and record badger setts. The sett for this badger watch is home to four badgers which, along with their two cubs, gave hours of enjoyment to all visitors last year.

Leader: Brian Rhodes is a leading member of the Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group and has been watching badgers at this sett for 20 years.

Itinerary: You will meet Brian in the early evening for a badger watch that will last approximately two hours. There is no hide at this watch.

Osprey Cruise

Date: Saturday 10 Jul 2010 Location: Rutland Water

Wild Encounter : Rutland Water is one of only two places in England where ospreys can regularly be seen and now you can get even closer on a cruise aboard the ‘Rutland Belle’. During the cruise we hope to get very close views of ospreys as they search for fish and, quite possibly, see them catch one!

Leader: Tim Mackrill manages the Rutland Osprey Project.

Itinerary: The event will start at 2.30pm with an introductory talk about the osprey project and a look around the site. At 5pm you will make your way to the boat, which will take you on a one and a half hour cruise around the reservoir.

Essex badger watch

Date: Monday 12 Jul 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Essex badger watch

Date: Tuesday 13 Jul 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Wildlife photography safari in Gloucestershire

Date: Wednesday 14 Jul 2010 Location: Nr Wotton-Under-Edge

Wild Encounter : An exclusive photography day in a fantastic location famous for its water voles and kingfishers. Practical photography tuition will be tailored to the needs of those attending and will be suitable for beginners.

Leader: Renowned wildlife photographer and author Iain Green.

Itinerary: You will meet Iain at The Chipping, Kingswood at 12pm. The event will finish at approximately 6pm.

British mammal day

Date: Sunday 18 Jul 2010 Location: Nr Witney and Nr Goring Heath

Wild Encounter : We are lucky to have a great variety of charismatic mammals in the UK and this special day will give you the chance to learn more about them. You will help with dormouse box checks where dormice, woodmice, yellow-necked mice and pygmy shrews are present and check small mammal traps where woodmice, field voles, bank voles, common shrews and pygmy shrews are present. Harvest mice, brown hares and badgers also inhabit the area so remember to keep your eye out for their signs.

Leader: Dave Parsons, a professional ecologist and Chairman of the Oxfordshire Mammal Group.

Itinerary: You will meet at 8am near Witney to check longworth traps and dormouse boxes. After a picnic lunch (not included) there will be a mammal field sign ID session, followed by searches for harvest mouse nests and brown hare field signs and a visit to an active badger sett. The event will finish at about 4pm. Car sharing will be arranged on the day.

Gorilla photography day

Date: Thursday 22 Jul 2010 Location: Hythe

Wild Encounter : Port Lympne houses the largest and most successful breeding colony of western lowland gorillas in the world. On this amazing event you will be photographing the bachelor group of gorillas as they feed in an open enclosure. Separated only by a low wall and a moat, at times you may be just a few metres away from these magnificent silverbacks. There may also be opportunities to photograph black rhino, red river hogs and water buffalo.

Leader: Vic Sharratt is a widely respected freelance photographer.

Itinerary: You will meet at 9.45am for a brief introduction. There will be a break for lunch and the event will finish at around 3.30pm.

Be a wolf keeper for the day

Date: Thursday 22 Jul 2010 Location: Near Reading, Berkshire

Wild Encounter : Join the staff at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust for an unforgettable experience. As an adult trainee wolf keeper you will help to prepare the wolves’ dinner, clean the enclosures, prepare homeopathic medicines and make a wolf enrichment object. The day will end with a short wolf walk and chance to stroke them! This is an adult event (over 18s only).

Leader: Clive Readings, UK Wolf Conservation Trust.

Itinerary: Meet at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust at 10am. The event will finish by 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch.

Dormice in Kent

Date: Saturday 24 Jul 2010 Location: Chartham Hatch, Kent

Wild Encounter : Hunstead Wood is part of the Blean, a large area of woodland. In 2000 several dormouse boxes were donated by the Wildlife Corridors Project and put up in Hunstead Wood by a group of volunteers. The dormouse population has been monitored ever since. The site has high numbers of dormice so there will be a good chance of spotting some of these delightful creatures.

Leader: John Harling, Ruth Harling, Tim Flisher, Ken Campbell and Sally Huish monitor the dormouse population in Hunstead Wood.

Itinerary: You will meet at 9.30am to begin checking the boxes. The check should last for about two hours. If you need a bed & breakfast for the night please contact us for more details.

Glorious bustards on Salisbury Plain 11.30am start time

Date: Saturday 24 Jul 2010 Location: Nr Salisbury

Wild Encounter : Great bustards were formerly very much part of British wildlife before they were hunted out of existence in Britain in the 1840s. They have suffered dramatic declines worldwide in the last 200 years and their global population is estimated to be just 35 000 individuals. The Great Bustard Group (GBG) was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the great bustard to the UK and in 2004 the first bustards were released.

Leader: Al Dawes, Project Officer at the GBG.

Itinerary: You will meet at 11.30am for a tour in a 4x4, during which we will learn more about the GBG and look for the great bustards. The event will last about 1 1/2 hours.

Glorious bustards on Salisbury Plain 2pm start time

Date: Saturday 24 Jul 2010 Location: Nr Salisbury

Wild Encounter : Great bustards were formerly very much part of British wildlife before they were hunted out of existence in Britain in the 1840s. They have suffered dramatic declines worldwide in the last 200 years and their global population is estimated to be just 35 000 individuals. The Great Bustard Group (GBG) was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the great bustard to the UK and in 2004 the first bustards were released.

Leader: Al Dawes, Project Officer at the GBG.

Itinerary: You will meet at 2pm (please specify when booking) for a tour in a 4x4, during which we will learn more about the GBG and look for the great bustards. The event will last about 1 1/2 hours.

Junior animal detectives

Date: Tuesday 27 Jul 2010 Location: Battersea

Wild Encounter : Cost FREE (plus normal zoo entry fee - Adults £7.50, Children (age 2 to 15) - £6, Family ticket (2+2 or 1+3) - £25.00). Come down to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo to try your hand at being a wildlife detective. Examine and identify animal artefacts to earn a certificate. Also discover how to carry out mammal surveys at home and ask experts your nature questions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Leader: PTES and Battersea Zoo staff

Itinerary: Drop in sessions will be available from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

This event is for children who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is an age range of 5 to 12 inclusive. NOTE adults cannot book onto this event unless they are accompanying children

Parent and child wildlife photography safari

Date: Thursday 29 Jul 2010 Location: Greenwich

Wild Encounter : A practical and fun afternoon for budding young wildlife photographers and their parents to learn how to get great shots of wildlife. This event is suitable for all skill levels. You must bring your own camera and children must be accompanied by an adult. PLEASE NOTE YOU ONLY NEED TO BOOK A PLACE FOR EACH CHILD, ADULTS GO FREE. MAXIMUM ONE ADULT PLACE PER CHILD.

Leader: Renowned wildlife photographer and author Iain Green.

Itinerary: You will meet Iain at 1pm for a brief introduction before heading out onto the reserve to learn and practice camera technique and specific wildlife photography skills. The event should finish around 4pm.

This event is for children who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is an age range of 8 to 18 inclusive. NOTE adults cannot book onto this event unless they are accompanying children

Incredible edible dormice

Date: Sunday 01 Aug 2010 Location: Tring

Wild Encounter : The mischievous edible dormouse is much larger than its native cousin, with a silver coat and bushy tail. In 1902 the edible dormouse was brought from Hungary by Lord Rothschild who released several into Tring Park. Although the species has since become numerous in the surrounding woodlands it has spread little. They are protected throughout Europe due to their scarcity in their homelands.

Leader: Dr Pat Morris is a leading authority on edible dormice and has studied the edible dormouse population at this site for many years.

Itinerary: You will meet Pat at 11am and join him as he checks the dormice boxes. The event will finish around 1pm but you are very welcome to stay longer to help with the box check if you wish.

Big cats in Hertfordshire

Date: Saturday 07 Aug 2010 Location: Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Wild Encounter : The Cat Survival Trust began in 1976 and works to promote the conservation of wild cats. The trust owns a 10,000 acre reserve in Argentina where they conserve the entire habitat and protects other animals and fungi that make up the ecosystem on which the cats depend. The Trust also acts as a rescue organisation for �unwanted� cats from zoos and other collections. It currently cares for about 40 cats including puma, lynx, jaguar, bobcat, caracal and snow leopards to name a few!

Leader: A volunteer from the Cat Survival Trust will be your guide for the evening.

Itinerary: You will meet at 4pm to begin our tour of the centre. The event will finish at about 7pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available during the evening.

Essex badger watch

Date: Thursday 19 Aug 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Essex badger watch

Date: Friday 20 Aug 2010 Location: Benfleet

Wild Encounter : Don Hunford has been watching badgers for over 50 years. In 1957 he began watching a sett near Benfleet and over the years became increasingly worried as he saw property development slowly surrounding the sett. In 1963 he was able to buy a house right next to the sett, which enabled him to keep a close eye on it, and to watch the badgers more regularly. He built a hide beside the sett and the badgers have now become so used to him that they take food from his hands.

Leader: Don Hunford

Itinerary: You will meet at Don’s house about an hour before sunset. The watch will last approximately two hours.

Kids walking with wolves

Date: Friday 20 Aug 2010 Location: Nr Reading

Wild Encounter : A unique opportunity for children to experience a close encounter with socialised wolves in a safe environment. The morning will start with a talk and tour of the centre before heading out on a walk with the wolves. There will be an opportunity for everyone to stroke these beautiful animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is highly supervised with wolves that are used to interacting with humans of all ages.

Leader: Toni Shelbourne, Senior Wolf Handler at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Itinerary: You will meet at 11am at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust. The event will last for approximately two hours.

This event is for children who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is an age range of 6 to 18 inclusive. NOTE adults cannot book onto this event unless they are accompanying children

Dormice in Kent

Date: Saturday 21 Aug 2010 Location: Chartham Hatch, Kent

Wild Encounter : Hunstead Wood is part of the Blean, a large area of woodland. In 2000 several dormouse boxes were donated by the Wildlife Corridors Project and put up in Hunstead Wood by a group of volunteers. The dormouse population has been monitored ever since. The site has high numbers of dormice so there will be a good chance of spotting some of these delightful creatures.

Leader: John Harling, Ruth Harling, Tim Flisher, Ken Campbell and Sally Huish monitor the dormouse population in Hunstead Wood.

Itinerary: You will meet at 9.30am to begin checking the boxes. The check should last for about two hours. If you need a bed & breakfast for the night please contact us for more details.

Big cats in Hertfordshire

Date: Saturday 28 Aug 2010 Location: Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Wild Encounter : The Cat Survival Trust began in 1976 and works to promote the conservation of wild cats. The trust owns a 10,000 acre reserve in Argentina where they conserve the entire habitat and protects other animals and fungi that make up the ecosystem on which the cats depend. The Trust also acts as a rescue organisation for �unwanted� cats from zoos and other collections. It currently cares for about 40 cats including puma, lynx, jaguar, bobcat, caracal and snow leopards to name a few!

Leader: A volunteer from the Cat Survival Trust will be your guide for the evening.

Itinerary: You will meet at 4pm to begin our tour of the centre. The event will finish at about 7pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available during the evening.

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 04 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Cornwall safari

Date: Sunday 05 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance

Wild Encounter : Cornwall has a wealth of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. On this land-based 4x4 tour we will look for peregrine falcons, buzzards, ravens and choughs. As we travel along the coast we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, grey seals and even leatherback turtles. Adders, common lizards and slow worms are often seen basking and wild flowers will be blooming on the cliff-tops. Why not combine this event with the basking shark cruise?

Leader: Rory Goodall has an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Land’s End area.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for our tour which will last about four hours.

Be a wolf keeper for the day

Date: Thursday 09 Sep 2010 Location: Near Reading, Berkshire

Wild Encounter : Join the staff at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust for an unforgettable experience. As an adult trainee wolf keeper you will help to prepare the wolves’ dinner, clean the enclosures, prepare homeopathic medicines and make a wolf enrichment object. The day will end with a short wolf walk and chance to stroke them! This is an adult event (over 18s only).

Leader: Clive Readings, UK Wolf Conservation Trust.

Itinerary: Meet at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust at 10am. The event will finish by 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch.

Walking with wolves

Date: Friday 10 Sep 2010 Location: Nr Reading

Wild Encounter : The UK Wolf Conservation Trust provides a unique experience of walking with their socialised wolves through beautiful woodland. The wolves are handled by an experienced team and will interact with you as you walk, often walking in amongst you. Due to the length, pace and occasional rough terrain of the walk this event is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Leader: A senior wolf handler from the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Itinerary: The walk will start at 1pm and last for about 2 hours. Once back at the centre you will be given a chance to browse the shop, have refreshments and view the other wolves in their large enclosures. The event will finish at about 5pm.

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 11 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Cornwall safari

Date: Sunday 12 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance

Wild Encounter : Cornwall has a wealth of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. On this land-based 4x4 tour we will look for peregrine falcons, buzzards, ravens and choughs. As we travel along the coast we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, grey seals and even leatherback turtles. Adders, common lizards and slow worms are often seen basking and wild flowers will be blooming on the cliff-tops. Why not combine this event with the basking shark cruise?

Leader: Rory Goodall has an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Land’s End area.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for our tour which will last about four hours.

Dormice in Clwyd

Date: Friday 17 Sep 2010 Location: Y Ddol Uchaf, nr Brynford

Wild Encounter : Dormouse boxes were erected in Coed Bron Fadog in 2000 and 2007 saw the highest number of dormice so far. During this event you will help check the boxes at Coed Bron Fadog, recording any dormice you find. We will be hoping to find some dormice getting ready for hibernation. Time permitting, there will also be a visit to a Wildlife Trust reserve, Y Ddol Uchaf, to survey the boxes here as well.

Leader: Rhian Hughes is researching dormouse populations in north Wales.

Itinerary: You will meet at Y Ddol Uchaf at 10am to begin our box check. The event will finish at about 2pm.

Harewood forest wildlife weekend

Date: Friday 17 Sep 2010 Location: Andover Down

Wild Encounter : Set in over an acre of landscaped and eco-friendly gardens, Forest Edge is an ideal spot for nature lovers to spend the weekend. The gardens are managed with the aim of developing an attractive garden with a high proportion of native plants and no insecticides, fungicides or inorganic fertilisers are used. Animals from the forest naturally use the garden as part of their range and frequent visitors include stoats, foxes and hedgehogs. Bats, frogs, newts, and a large range of birds and butterflies can also be seen as well as roe, fallow, red and muntjac deer at the end of the garden. During our visit in July you may also be able to spot glow worms and orchids. *******PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRICE IS FOR TWO PEOPLE SHARING A ROOM. If you wish to book a room for one person please call us on 020 74984533******

Leader: David Beeson is a, now retired, lecturer in biological sciences. He has been involved in otter conservation and written many articles on environmental issues and conservation gardening. The garden has been featured on BBC2 and by the RHS.

Itinerary: Each trip begins on the Friday evening with dinner at a local Inn. Activities will include guided walks through the forest and nature reserves, a talk on eco-gardening, and a wildlife and geological treasure hunt. The event will finish on Sunday afternoon. Your accommodation will be in Forest Edge bed and breakfast which has both double and twin rooms. Please note that breakfasts and Saturday lunch is provided but other meals are not included. For more information please visit http://www.forest-edge.co.uk/

Basking shark cruise

Date: Saturday 18 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance Harbour

Wild Encounter : The basking shark is the largest fish found in the coastal waters of the British Isles. Measuring up to 12m long, and weighing up to seven tonnes, this gentle giant feeds on animal plankton. You will cruise around the spectacular Land’s End peninsular aboard the 9m R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger’, hopefully observing these magnificent creatures, along with other marine wildlife. Leader Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Leader: Rory Goodall runs the eco-tourism company, Elemental Tours, is a marine animal medic for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and also a cetacean strandings volunteer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Itinerary: You will meet in the morning (times to be confirmed, but not before 9am) to begin the cruise which will last three hours.

Cornwall safari

Date: Sunday 19 Sep 2010 Location: Penzance

Wild Encounter : Cornwall has a wealth of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. On this land-based 4x4 tour we will look for peregrine falcons, buzzards, ravens and choughs. As we travel along the coast we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, grey seals and even leatherback turtles. Adders, common lizards and slow worms are often seen basking and wild flowers will be blooming on the cliff-tops. Why not combine this event with the basking shark cruise?

Leader: Rory Goodall has an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Land’s End area.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for our tour which will last about four hours.

Bats in Wytham

Date: Sunday 19 Sep 2010 Location: Wytham

Wild Encounter : There are many examples of how resourceful wildlife can be and the bats at Wytham Woods are no exception! Scientists at Oxford University have studied the great tits in Wytham for many years, by monitoring nestboxes. Once the birds have finished breeding, the bats move in. There are large numbers of Daubenton’s bats present as well as Natterer’s and noctule bats.

Leader: Merryl Gelling and Danielle Linton from Oxford University’s WildCRU are co-ordinating the Wytham bat project.

Itinerary: The event will start at 10am with an introductory talk. You will then help with the box check. The event will finish at about 4pm.

Insects at the Natural History Museum

Date: Wednesday 22 Sep 2010 Location: Kensington

Wild Encounter : Behind the scenes of the Natural History Museum is one of the world’s largest collections of insects, consisting of some 20 million or so specimens. During the tour you will learn about some of the diversity of the world’s wasps, beetles and flies as well as being shown the work that is carried out by the museum’s entomologists.

Leader: Gavin Broad and Max Barclay, curators at the Department of Entomology at the Natural History Museum.

Itinerary: You will meet at 2pm to begin your tour which will last about three hours. Before the tour you will have plenty of time to explore the rest of the museum.

Dormice in Briddlesford Woods 10am start time

Date: Saturday 25 Sep 2010 Location: Wootton Bridge

Wild Encounter : Join us at our reserve on the Isle of Wight for a rare chance to see dormice in their natural setting. September and October are good months for plenty of sightings, as the dormice are still fattening up for the winter and will be using the nest boxes to stay out of the cold during the day. You will help check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods, and learn about the ecology of this rare mammal and the management of the woodland. Keep an eye out for red squirrels too, which are particularly active at this time of year.

Leader: The event will be led by PTES Dormouse Officer Ian White.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am in the woods to begin the box checks. The event will last approximately three hours.

Bats in Savernake Forest

Date: Saturday 25 Sep 2010 Location: Marlborough

Wild Encounter : Eleven species of bat, including the rare barbastelle and Bechstein’s, have been identified at Savernake. In 2002, PTES enabled the Wiltshire Bat Group to install bat boxes on the trees, which now provide excellent roosting sites. The Wiltshire Bat Group has been studying bats here for many years.

Leader: Steve Laurence, leader of the Wiltshire Bat Group.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am to help survey bat boxes until 4pm. You may then wish to go into Marlborough for supper (not included in price) or explore the wood further. At 6pm you will go to the disused railway tunnel to watch as the bats are caught in mist nets for examination, before release. The event will go on to the early hours but you are free to leave at any time.

Dormice and reptiles in Quilters Wood

Date: Saturday 25 Sep 2010 Location: Near Bossingham

Wild Encounter : Quilters Wood has a wide variety of wildlife for such a small area of wood and pasture. In October 2006 30 dormice were found in just 19 nestboxes. Since this astonishing find six new nestboxes have been added. Adders, slow worms, lizards and grass snakes are also present at the site, as well as a pair of buzzards.

Leader: Ken West, a leading member of the Kent Mammal Group. Ken has kindly agreed to offer a lift from Canterbury West Station for those arriving by train.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am to begin checking the nestboxes. During our visit you will also look for reptile life on the site. There will be a break for a picnic lunch (not included in price) and the event should finish at about 3pm.

Dormice in Briddlesford Woods 2pm start time

Date: Saturday 25 Sep 2010 Location: Wootton Bridge

Wild Encounter : Join us at our reserve on the Isle of Wight for a rare chance to see dormice in their natural setting. September and October are good months for plenty of sightings, as the dormice are still fattening up for the winter and will be using the nest boxes to stay out of the cold during the day. You will help check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods, and learn about the ecology of this rare mammal and the management of the woodland. Keep an eye out for red squirrels too, which are particularly active at this time of year.

Leader: The event will be led by PTES Dormouse Officer Ian White.

Itinerary: You will meet at 2pm in the woods to begin the box checks. The event will last approximately three hours.

Glorious bustards on Salisbury Plain 2pm start time

Date: Wednesday 06 Oct 2010 Location: Nr Salisbury

Wild Encounter : Great bustards were formerly very much part of British wildlife before they were hunted out of existence in Britain in the 1840s. They have suffered dramatic declines worldwide in the last 200 years and their global population is estimated to be just 35 000 individuals. The Great Bustard Group (GBG) was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the great bustard to the UK and in 2004 the first bustards were released.

Leader: Al Dawes, Project Officer at the GBG.

Itinerary: You will meet at 2pm (please specify when booking) for a tour in a 4x4, during which we will learn more about the GBG and look for the great bustards. The event will last about 1 1/2 hours.

Glorious bustards on Salisbury Plain 11.30am start time

Date: Wednesday 06 Oct 2010 Location: Nr Salisbury

Wild Encounter : Great bustards were formerly very much part of British wildlife before they were hunted out of existence in Britain in the 1840s. They have suffered dramatic declines worldwide in the last 200 years and their global population is estimated to be just 35 000 individuals. The Great Bustard Group (GBG) was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the great bustard to the UK and in 2004 the first bustards were released.

Leader: Al Dawes, Project Officer at the GBG.

Itinerary: You will meet at 11.30am for a tour in a 4x4, during which we will learn more about the GBG and look for the great bustards. The event will last about 1 1/2 hours.

Dormice and hedgerows in Devon

Date: Saturday 09 Oct 2010 Location: Nr Hatherleigh

Wild Encounter : Hedgerows are not only invaluable wildlife habitat but are integral to our culture, history and archaeology. Locks Park Farm, an organic beef and sheep farm in West Devon, has particularly species-rich hedges which support a thriving dormouse population. During your visit you will learn more about the vital role hedgerows play in supporting wildlife, how dormice use hedgerows and if you are lucky you may find a dormouse.

Leader: Rob and Paula Wolton have managed Locks Park Farm for nearly 20 years, as an organic (Soil Association registered) beef and sheep farm. They have a herd of Devon cattle and a small flock of white-face Dartmoor sheep. Rob has been co-chair of the Devon Hedge Group for many years, and is chairman of the Steering Group for the UK Hedgerow Habitat Action Plan (Hedgelink). He has had articles and leaflets published on both hedgerows and dormice, including co-authoring a recent Devon Hedge Group leaflet on dormice and hedges (this will be available). He has a doctorate in mammal ecology and until 2008 worked for Natural England. Paula has farmed for 35 years, and manages the farm livestock and a direct-sell meat box scheme. Trained as an artist, she has appeared several times on BBC Countryfile, occasionally as a presenter, and is currently developing a career as a writer, building on the success of her blog, sponsored by the Campaign for Rural England. She also works part-time in a clothes boutique in Exeter.

Itinerary: You will meet at 12.30pm for lunch followed by a gentle walk around the farm. The event will finish by 3.30pm.

Wildlife photography workshop

Date: Saturday 09 Oct 2010 Location: Malmesbury

Wild Encounter : Join Oliver Smart for a workshop designed to illustrate the different aspects of digital wildlife photography and how you can achieve beautiful images. The event will be illustrated with Oliver’s own digital wildlife images.

Leader: Oliver Smart, a wildlife photographer.

Itinerary: Oliver will begin at 9.30am, with the event finishing around 4pm. The workshop will be split into several sessions discussing photographic techniques, equipment, subjects, creative and field techniques, travel and the digital darkroom. The event will close with a final short recapping lecture.

North Cornwall wildlife break

Date: Friday 15 Oct 2010 Location: Bude

Wild Encounter : This is a 5 day break running from Friday 15th - Tuesday 19th October. Partly owned by the National Trust, Trevigue Farm is a spectacular coastal farm where conservation is just as important as farming. The land is sensitively managed to encourage the greatest biodiversity possible and as a result is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including badgers, roe deer, tawny owls, barn owls, otters, hares, dormice, four species of bat and peregrine falcons. Habitats have been specially created to encourage the return of large blue butterflies and the rarest member of the crow family – the chough. Trevigue boasts the highest cliff in Cornwall and the Buckator Nature Reserve, which offers unparalleled views over a large seal colony.

Leader: Francis Crocker, the Conservation Manager of Trevigue Farm, previous winner of the National Farmers’ Union President’s Special Award and member of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Stranding Network.

Itinerary: Each trip begins with an introductory talk by Francis. Activities will include guided walks through nature reserves of outstanding beauty, the ‘Stranglers explorer’ on the beach, a walk to Boscastle, badger and bat watches and dormice box checks. With cosy log fires and excellent cuisine, this promises to be an unforgetable trip. Your accommodation will be in a comfortable cottage either above the ancient woodlands of Trevigue or overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Dormice in Suffolk

Date: Sunday 17 Oct 2010 Location: Barking, near Needham Market

Wild Encounter : In 2000 dormice were reintroduced to this ancient wood, owned by the Woodland Trust, with help from PTES. The 200 nest boxes are checked about four times each year and the data gained goes to the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. After a decline in dormouse numbers for the first few years, the number of dormice now exceeds the number released.

Leader: Liz Cutting who monitors dormouse numbers at several sites in Suffolk.

Itinerary: You will meet at 8.30am to begin checking the nest boxes for dormice. The event will finish at around 1pm.

Dormice in Herefordshire

Date: Wednesday 20 Oct 2010 Location: Nr Newent

Wild Encounter : Dymock Woods is an ancient woodland site of 506 hectares and home to a variety of plants and animals, including hazel dormice. The dormouse population here has been monitored since 2002 and during this event you will help check the dormouse boxes and record what you find.

Leader: Ann Bowker, a dormouse monitor and mammal enthusiast, Kate Wollen of the Forestry Commission and Hilary Smith, an ecologist and recent coordinator of Hereford Action for Mammals.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am in Newent before driving to the woods to check the boxes. The check will last about two hours.

Walking with wolves

Date: Friday 22 Oct 2010 Location: Nr Reading

Wild Encounter : The UK Wolf Conservation Trust provides a unique experience of walking with their socialised wolves through beautiful woodland. The wolves are handled by an experienced team and will interact with you as you walk, often walking in amongst you. Due to the length, pace and occasional rough terrain of the walk this event is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Leader: A senior wolf handler from the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Itinerary: The walk will start at 1pm and last for about 2 hours. Once back at the centre you will be given a chance to browse the shop, have refreshments and view the other wolves in their large enclosures. The event will finish at about 5pm.

Dormice in Briddlesford Woods 10am start time

Date: Saturday 23 Oct 2010 Location: Wootton Bridge

Wild Encounter : Join us at our reserve on the Isle of Wight for a rare chance to see dormice in their natural setting. September and October are good months for plenty of sightings, as the dormice are still fattening up for the winter and will be using the nest boxes to stay out of the cold during the day. You will help check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods, and learn about the ecology of this rare mammal and the management of the woodland. Keep an eye out for red squirrels too, which are particularly active at this time of year.

Leader: The event will be led by PTES Dormouse Officer Ian White.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am in the woods to begin the box checks. The event will last approximately three hours.

Dormice in Briddlesford Woods 2pm start time

Date: Saturday 23 Oct 2010 Location: Wootton Bridge

Wild Encounter : Join us at our reserve on the Isle of Wight for a rare chance to see dormice in their natural setting. September and October are good months for plenty of sightings, as the dormice are still fattening up for the winter and will be using the nest boxes to stay out of the cold during the day. You will help check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods, and learn about the ecology of this rare mammal and the management of the woodland. Keep an eye out for red squirrels too, which are particularly active at this time of year.

Leader: The event will be led by PTES Dormouse Officer Ian White.

Itinerary: You will meet at 2pm in the woods to begin the box checks. The event will last approximately three hours.

Harvest mouse workshop

Date: Saturday 06 Nov 2010 Location: Carlton Colville

Wild Encounter : PTES have recently helped the Suffolk Wildlife Trust with their ongoing harvest mouse project. They are currently researching how barn owls can help; by looking at their pellets and searching for tiny fragments of harvest mice bones they can tell if harvest mice are present in the area. On this event you will learn more about these tiny rodents and the harvest mouse project.

Leader: Martha Cowell, Harvest Mouse Project Officer at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am for an introductory talk about the project. You will then go in to the field to look for harvest mouse nests (NB the mice will not be present at this time of year) followed by the chance to examine owl pellets. The event will finish at about 1pm.

Walking with wolves

Date: Friday 12 Nov 2010 Location: Nr Reading

Wild Encounter : The UK Wolf Conservation Trust provides a unique experience of walking with their socialised wolves through beautiful woodland. The wolves are handled by an experienced team and will interact with you as you walk, often walking in amongst you. Due to the length, pace and occasional rough terrain of the walk this event is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Leader: A senior wolf handler from the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Itinerary: The walk will start at 1pm and last for about 2 hours. Once back at the centre you will be given a chance to browse the shop, have refreshments and view the other wolves in their large enclosures. The event will finish at about 5pm.

Moonlit tour at Wildwood

Date: Sunday 21 Nov 2010 Location: Herne Bay

Wild Encounter : Our elusive British mammals are usually incredibly difficult to observe in their natural habitat. However, under the light of the full moon at the Wildwood Trust, you will hopefully experience some amazing views of animals as they go about their nightly activities. Wildwood is home to a wide array of British animals, living in large and naturalistic enclosures. During the evening, you will listen for otters splashing in their pool and maybe hear the wolves howl at the moon!

Leader: Anne Riddell is the Education Officer at the Wildwood Trust.

Itinerary: The evening begins at 7pm for your a guided tour around Wildwood. The event will finish around 9.15pm.

Winter wildfowl at Rutland Water

Date: Saturday 11 Dec 2010 Location: Rutland Water

Wild Encounter : In winter Rutland Water is home to over 20 000 wildfowl, many of which fly to our shores to escape the freezing winter further east. The nature reserve at Egleton supports internationally important numbers of gadwall and shoveler as well as a range of other stunning wildfowl, including smew, goldeneye, goosander, pochard, wigeon, teal and tufted duck. The hides at Egleton offer a unique opportunity to admire these spectacular ducks at very close quarters.

Leader: Tim Mackrill manages the Rutland Osprey Project.

Itinerary: You will meet at 10am at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre for our guided walk, which will last around three hours.