The Forest of Dean is famous for its ancient woodland, winding trails, hidden ponds and rich wildlife. While many visitors enjoy a leisurely walk through the forest, joining a guided safari offers something completely different. Instead of simply passing through the landscape, you'll learn how to spot the signs, sounds and behaviours of the creatures that call this remarkable place home.

Whether you're a keen wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, a family looking for a memorable day out, or simply someone who enjoys being outdoors, these guided safaris provide a wonderful opportunity to see the forest through expert eyes.

Spring and Summer Guided Wildlife Safari

The daytime wildlife safari is a guided walk through some of the Forest of Dean's most beautiful woodland habitats.

Over the course of the walk, participants learn how to identify birds by sight and sound, spot woodland species, search for birds of prey overhead and discover the tracks and signs left behind by wild boar and deer. Along the way, guides point out fascinating details that many visitors would normally walk straight past, including woodland flowers, mosses, lichens, butterflies, reptiles and insects.

The daytime safari changes throughout the seasons, meaning no two walks are exactly alike. Spring brings birdsong and fresh woodland flowers, while summer offers opportunities to spot butterflies, reptiles and young wildlife exploring the forest.

Dates run throughout the spring and summer season - check out when they're on when you#re visiting here.

The Magic of an Evening Wildlife Safari

While the daytime walks are fantastic, many visitors find the evening safari particularly memorable.

As daylight begins to fade, the forest changes character completely. Birds settle down for the night, nocturnal creatures become active and the woodland takes on a peaceful atmosphere that few people experience. The guided evening safari takes visitors on a two-hour walk through ancient woodland as dusk falls.

The experience focuses on listening as much as looking. You'll hear birdsong, identify woodland birds and waterbirds, and learn how to recognise the sounds of wildlife moving through the forest. As darkness approaches, guides help participants search for some of the Forest of Dean's most famous residents, including deer and wild boar.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, of course, but previous visitors have reported seeing wild boar, deer, kingfishers, woodcock, bats, wagtails, mandarin ducks and many other species during these twilight adventures.

One of the greatest pleasures of the evening safari is simply slowing down. In our busy modern lives, it's rare to spend time quietly listening to the sounds of nature as day turns to night.

Evening Safari Dates

The start time varies throughout the year to match sunset and wildlife activity. Earlier spring events begin at 6pm or 7pm, while midsummer safaris start later in the evening. Check out your times here

Wildlife You May Encounter

The Forest of Dean supports an incredible variety of wildlife, making it one of the UK's most rewarding wildlife-watching destinations.

Wild Boar

Perhaps the forest's most famous residents, wild boar have become a major attraction for wildlife lovers. These powerful animals are surprisingly elusive despite their size, and a guided safari greatly improves your chances of spotting them.

Deer

The forest is home to several species of deer, including fallow, roe and muntjac. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to catch a glimpse of them moving quietly between the trees. (Bolthole Retreats)

Birds

Bird enthusiasts are particularly well catered for. Depending on the season, you may hear warblers singing, watch birds of prey circling overhead or spot colourful woodland species near ponds and streams. Kingfishers, buzzards, woodcock and many other species have been recorded during guided safaris.

Butterflies, Reptiles and Woodland Life

The daytime walks often reveal an entire hidden world beneath our feet. Butterflies, lizards, beetles, mosses, lichens and woodland flowers all become part of the experience as guides explain how these species contribute to the forest ecosystem.

Why Go with a Guide?

You could certainly walk through the forest on your own, but having an experienced guide transforms the experience.

Wildlife experts know where animals are likely to be found, how to recognise subtle signs of activity and when certain species are most active. They can explain behaviours, identify bird calls and help visitors understand the interconnected web of life that makes the Forest of Dean so special.

Many previous participants highlight the guides' enthusiasm and knowledge as one of the biggest reasons they enjoyed the safari so much. Even people who regularly visit the forest often discover things they have never noticed before.

Make a Weekend of It

A wildlife safari makes a fantastic addition to a short break in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. At BHHL we have 16 super large houses that you and your family can stay in - anything from 12 of you through to 35, meaning all ages can gather together and what better way of bonding than experiencing one of these safaris?

If you want a 'get away from it all' expreince check out High Cloud Farm, if you prefer a bit more of a stunning house close to an historic town, check out The Manor on the Monnow, or if you want to be in the heart of the forest we have Holly Tree House, literally within the woods of Symonds Yat.

After a morning or evening spent exploring the woodland, you can return to a comfortable holiday home, share stories of your sightings, compare photographs and enjoy a relaxing meal together. A guided safari provides an activity everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level.

And if you're lucky, you might return with stories of wild boar emerging from the trees, deer slipping silently through the woodland or a kingfisher flashing electric blue across a forest pond.

Not bad for a walk in the woods.

After all, the Forest of Dean has been hiding its secrets for centuries. A guided wildlife safari simply helps you discover a few more of them.

Book your weekend now:

Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050