Birdwatching -

The dawn chorus

Our luxury cabins are high in the hills of West Dorset. We bought the land in 1998 and there were a few bird species already present. Buzzards, Larks and crows.

With our focus on sustainability we have planted thousands of trees since then and each year we see greater diversity of birds.

The forest garden is full of fruit which has greatly increase the bird population.

A Bird Watchers Retreat

These are a few of the birds often spotted in the forest garden. There are others and we love to hear about your spottings.

A good way of finding out about the birds on your visit here then listening is the best starting point. There are wonderful Apps that idenetify bird songs, such as Merlin Bird ID.

Barn Owl

We have a breeding pair nesting in our barn. They can often be spotted at dusk hovering over our fields.

Robin

These can be spotted all year round. Despite the territorial nature of the robin, the forest garden supports multiple birds.

Swallow

Look out for these during Spring and summer. They nest in our barns before spending the winter in Africa.

Collared Dove

More delicate than a wood pigeon they are a grey pink colour.

Buzzard

These are often seen over us. They are quite large and eat small mamals.

Great tit

Colourful and often easily spotted. They have a very distinctive song like a squeaky see saw

Lark

You're unlikely to spot this tiny brown bird but you have a good chance of hearing its wonderful rich song ove us.

Goldfinch

Lovely looking birds that can often be seen in a group.

Pheasant

More looks than brains. In a rural location like this there are often pheasants close by.

Blackbirds

There presents can be heard with their lovely song. Often spotted high in the trees

pied wagtail

As their name suggests their tail is constantly bobbing as they bob around amongst the trees

Greenfinch

Easily spotted with their colourful plumage.

Chiffchaff

Named after its song. They love a woodland setting and can be heard in the forest garden.

Chaffinch

Full of character they are often spotted amongst the trees.

House Sparrow

They can be spotted holding onto a branch swinging in the breeze.

Magpie

There's a good chance they will bring you joy or possibly gold in our fields! (poem)

Wren

Like a tiny brown ball. Their song of this tiny bird is very powerful and very evident.

Bluetit

Smaller than the great tit. These are nesting in old fence posts within the forest garden.

Blackcap

Yellow Hammer

Red Kite

Bird Watching when out and About

West Dorset’s Jurassic coast attracts a wide variety of both coastal and migrating birds. to find out more about places to go birding during you stay…