As wildlife experiences go wildlife watching at the fantastic Cowdray Estate in West Sussex has to be one of the most relaxing yet exciting activities that Into the Blue offers. You’ll be guided to the best spots by the expert rangers to settle quietly and wait. Listen out for a movement the ruffling of leaves the sound of small furry feet – and suddenly there you are face-to-face with badgers hares rabbits and Roe deer. Truly magical.
These wildlife experiences are set on a stunning private estate that covers 7500 hectares. Cowdray encompasses the ruins of a Tudor mansion country cottages working farms woods golf course accommodation and farm shop and cafe. You’ll instantly have a feeling of well-being and being at one with nature in such a gorgeous setting.
What’s more you’ll be taken around in a 4×4 vehicle for most of the experience so there’s very little trudging around to be done. Visits are available between April and September with a thermos for hot drinks in winter and estate-produced apple juice provided in summer. And if you’re ready and willing to do an early start you can see the animals at dawn. Or if you prefer bats and badgers go for an evening tour as you observe how the forests and woodlands come alive at dusk. All wildlife tours start and finish at Cowdray Estate golf club.
These wildlife outings are completely flexible and exclusive to you with vouchers for two three or four to tour together. Children are welcome (of course they’ll need to be aware about staying quiet when waiting with baited breath for the the wildlife) and the estate’s rangers will adapt the safari with shorter periods spent waiting silently in the badger hides.
Our Wildlife Nature Trail experience has something for everyone. Those panoramic views from the top of the South Downs are combined with the delight of seeing indigenous creatures unaware that they are being observed just going about their everyday life in the wild – be it engaging in courtship rituals drinking and feeding or even just having a snooze in the sunshine.
We think the three hours spent exploring Cowdray’s estate is the perfect wildlife experience for nature-loving adults and youngsters alike with England’s rich wildlife heritage on parade.
