Twilight Nature Safari & Stargazing
Ellerburn near Dalby Forest, North York Moors National Park, England
Featured in The Times Travel section
What you'll do
Being out at twilight is a magical time of the day. Fading daylight gives way to night. Twinkling stars slowly start to appear. Nocturnal creatures venture out while diurnal species head back home.
It almost feels like a life pause. But in that pause is a sense of peace, possibility and wildlife activity. You don’t know quite what animals you’ll happen across - or what natural sounds you'll hear as you relax into the moment.
It's easy to miss animals sounds and activity unless you know where to look and how to listen. Alison will take you on a sensory nature adventure, so you’ll experience much more. You'll learn how to 'fine tune' your night vision, learn how to listen deeply, while opening up to the other senses and wonder.
Meanwhile Richard, an expert ecologist, will point out what wildlife and birds are close by. You'll discover more about habitats, species and the natural surroundings. He'll also be on hand to answer any questions too.
But that's not all. You'll end the evening sat close to a small fire, drinking hot chocolate provided by our wonderful hosts, Lesley and Andrew. If clear, you'll find out more about the stars, planets, universe and our own planet too from Alison. Since this is one of the darkest parts of the National Park, it will be ideal for stargazing.
Other information
On Friday 13 October it will be a new moon so they'll be darker skies - and if clear - we'll see more stars.
We'll walk roughly 2 miles following paths and tracks predominantly while doing the safari section. Please note there are gradients and rough ground on this meander.
At a glance
Group size: 12 people maximum
Guides & hosts:
Very experienced nature guide
Wellbeing in nature & stargazing guide
Two welcoming hosts
Includes:
Sensory meander around the woods
Twilight animal and bird safari
Sitting around the fire
Toasting marshmallows & drinking delicious homemade hot chocolate
Stargazing
Prices from £59 / person**
Bespoke only
* Finish time is approximate
** PLUS BOOKING FEES - NON REFUNDABLE
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before booking
What's included
Services of a highly experienced nature guide, and 'wellbeing in nature' instructor. A friendly welcome from our gorgeous hosts, who'll be supplying us with a warming, additional treat at the end. If clear, a bit of stargazing information. Peace of mind. Safety. Feeling calmer. Awe - which is priceless!
Joining Instructions
Please note joining instructions will be be given after you have booked, closer to the event date. If you have any queries about anything don't hesitate to contact me.
Please make sure you read the
T & Cs page too as this includes cancellations or changes due to inclement weather.
Meet your Leaders & Hosts
Alison
runs Adventures for the Soul and is passionate about the natural world and the outdoors. She holds a BSc degree in Environmental Management and PGCert in Tourism, Conservation & Sustainable Development. A dark sky enthusiast, nature lover, contemplative walks leader, former Zen Buddhist and qualified yoga teacher for many years, she's taken people to some of the most stunning areas of the UK on wellbeing and walking holidays since 2009.
The wildlife element will be guided by Richard Baines from Yorkshire Coast Nature, who is an ecologist and has led nature tours for many years. He's been studying bird sounds since a very early age and has a very keen ear for wildlife sounds and most importantly how to listen.
Your hosts -
Andrew and Lesley
moved to the tiny hamlet of Ellerburn following their dream of creating holiday accommodation and an events space. They love welcoming guests to their little retreat. It's a place to escape and a perfect base to explore.
Come and stay!
The setting is simply stunning. Located in the historic hamlet of Ellerburn, you’ll be close to expansive forest, meadow and a babbling beck. It’s in North York Moors National Park too - one of the quieter national parks rich in flora and fauna.
The experience is hosted by Gumboots and Wellingtons - a wonderful rustic retreat comprising of a stylish, hand-built shepherd's hut and den that exude cosy and comfort, in beautiful grounds.
Why not extend your stay so you can really reap the benefits of this super-chilled area? Take a look at The Shepherd's Hut
here
and for The Den
here.
