We are delighted that Coldstream Holiday Park will be teaming up with local naturalist Samantha Lyth this spring to launch a series of wildlife walks in the area.
Sam has a life long interest in wildlife, particularly birds, and since moving to Coldstream in 2021 has been getting to know the birds, mammals, plants and some insects in her local patch along the Tweed, in the Lees and The Hirsel. Already this year she has recorded over eighty bird species in the borders area and expects to see around 30 species whenever she is out and about. She is a familiar figure in the town with her binoculars around her neck and many locals now share their sightings with her.
Having been inspired by a winter birdwatching trip in Bali Sam is now planning to bring wildlife walks to Coldstream and the surrounding area to share her knowledge and help people learn more about our beautiful countryside.
She is starting small and will be running short circular walks from the campsite in April and May. Starting at 8:30 (the birds are most active in the morning) the walks will last approximately 1 hour and are about 1.5 miles long. The route is mostly flat with plenty of benches on the way, but most of it is on trail, so you will need suitable shoes. There will be some binoculars available, but if you have your own please bring them along.
On the walk you will see and/or hear around about 30 species of birds – this will include many of the summer visitors as they arrive for the summer. Many of these visitors are quite elusive as the leaves come out, but Sam will share some great tips for learning bird song as well identifying birds by sight. Interwoven with this knowledge will be some tall tales – you will also find out which bird is the tell-tale-tit, why the goldcrest is king of the birds, how a football match defined the border and much more…………..
The first two walks are a trial, so will be free, although pre-booking is required as places are limited to 6 people. Book here:
Sam also leads walks at St Abbs Head in conjunction with the Berwickshire Marine Reserve. Provisional dates for these are May 22nd and June 18th.
To keep up to date with these guided walks follow Coldstream Wildlife Walks on Facebook. Sam also has a walking blog, which you can read here. Many of these are in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, which will give you some ideas for local walks and what to look out for.
If you would like to arrange a bespoke wildlife walk in the Coldstream area please contact Sam via whatsapp on 07584127644.
