Puffin, Skomer by Richard Toller

Four of these – Skokholm, Ramsey, Grassholm, and Skomer – are nature reserves, and the fifth is home to a Trappist monastery, where monks of the Reformed Cistercian Order make their own perfume and chocolates amidst the spectacular scenery of Caldey Island.

These islands are a bird-lovers’ paradise, where half the world’s population of Manx shearwaters nest and breed, and some of the estimated 86,000 burrows on Skokholm alone have been made by puffins.

Stronghold of the Gannet

The tiny Grassholm Island is a stronghold of the gannet; 80,000 of these gull-like birds have made their home here, and although inaccessible to anyone on foot, a local boat will take you close enough to experience the sight – and sometimes overpowering smell – of these huge seabirds.

In the 1930s, naturalist and adventurer Ronald Lockley lived on Skokholm, and published a best-selling account of his and his wife’s experiences as sole occupants of this little patch of paradise.

His ‘Dream Island’ may be long forgotten by all but the most avid of his literary followers, but small numbers of visitors are still allowed onto the island to see the farmhouse he renovated with driftwood, and walk the paths and clifftops he knew and loved so well.

• While you’re in the area: Tintern Abbey near Chepstow is well worth a visit – a place that inspired both the poet William Wordsworth and painter J.M.W. Turner
• So too is St. David’s Head, where Iron Age farmers left behind traces of their presence for generations to see at Warrior’s Dyke; and Arthur’s Quoit, a huge slab of stone said to have been thrown by the legendary king from a nearby hill, and which today is held in place by a solitary, upright piece of rock.

Modern-day archeologists believe it to be the capstone of a burial chamber that may date back some 5,500 years.

• Chepstow Castle, founded by William the Conqueror’s contemporary William Fitzosbern within a year of the Battle of Hastings, incorporates the oldest surviving Norman fortification in the whole of Britain.

Perched high above the banks of the River Wye, Chepstow - now superbly-preseved, grade one listed ruins – was probably the very first stone castle in the country.

On Grassholm island, UK by Richard Toller

Nicki Williams is a content writer for on-line,outdoor retailers Gear-Zone, where you’ll find everything for a walking and hiking holiday from major brands including The North Face, Berghaus, Rab, Scarpa and Brasher

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Albufera Nature Park, Mallorca, Spain by Kiko Piris

Many of the ecosystems in this park, which claims the greatest biodiversity of any area in the Balearics, can be traced back to over 18 million years ago! The park’s present wetlands formed about 100,000 years ago, however, and its dunes formed about 10,000 years ago. Much of the park’s waters come from seasonal streams in north and central Mallorca, though subterranean aquifers also provide the damp. Seawater also makes its way to the park in the summer, and is said to have a “particular effect” on area vegetation. Park meadows feature an abundance of seagrass, which provide an essential hydrodynamic barrier that protect area beaches and dunes from erosion.

An internationally protected area for birds, birdwatchers from all over Europe flock (no pun intended) to the park to catch glimpses of rare and beautiful waterfowl, as the park is the most “bird-rich wetland” of any island in the Mediterranean. There are at least 60 bird species that use the park for breeding purposes, and over 200 species have been spotted in the park in general. Birds known to inhabit the park include ospreys, who leave their breeding sites to fish in the wetlands, as well as egrets, crested coots, terns, herons, and sand pipers. Other bird species that live in the park all year round include peregrines and hoopoes; birds that utilize the park for breeding include stonechats, moustached warblers and long-eared owls. Waterfowl that make occasional appearances at the park include spoonbills, glossy ibis, and cranes. Birdwatching “hides,” or sites, are located throughout the park for wildlife viewing, and the park’s visitor center features an audio visual display room for listening to the songs of assorted park birds.

Birds aren’t the only life forms inhabiting the park. Over 29 species of fish live within the wetlands, including a rather sizable eel population, as well as 66 species of funghi. Water snakes and marsh frogs are some of the most visible reptiles and amphibians. Mammals that call the park home include eight species of bat, including the rare Barbastelle bat, as well as an assortment of rats and mice. Visit the park in the spring to enjoy its stunning selection of wildflowers, but remember to utilize the area foot or bike riding paths.

Admission to the park is free. The park is open year round, though how long the park is open each day depends on the time of year. It is accessible by walking, bike riding, or driving, though cars must be parked on either the nearby side streets or residential areas. It is important that all park rules are followed, and visitors are not allowed to collect flowers, other vegetation, or wildlife.

Bio: This article was written by Hotel Sis Pins, a Hotel Majorca location. Contact them to book your stay today!

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Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex, England / Photo by DAVID ILIFF License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

So I tend to book Sussex cottages for a week or two at different times of year. Get down there and check out the fields and hedgerows. I keep a journal showing what’s growing and what’s not, what insects and birds I see and which are conspicuously absent.

It’s a fascinating record of a changing countryside. Some years you get gluts of one species, other years you see others in more particular abundance. This year I’ve seen an astonishing number of Five Spot Burnet moths, the red dots on the black wings almost glowing in the sun.

Actually it’s been a pretty good summer for Sussex cottages so far. I know we’ve had a lot of wind and rain but when you think about it there’s been quite an amount of sunshine too. I distinctly remember spending two consecutive weekends on the Downs, shirtsleeves rolled up and my socks off, taking a breather with a bottle of beer and feeling very hot indeed.

I’ve seen quite a number of Gold Swift moths this year, which is surprising given their general decline. Though the hotter weekends in June may have prompted them to breed properly, which they haven’t been doing for a couple of years. When I go back to my Sussex cottages in August I’ll have to compare notes again against last year. Normally the Gold Swift flies in numbers in June and August, conceding with a pair of broods over the year – but as I say in recent years this has been a pattern much interrupted by the vagaries of wind and weather.

There have been a number of sightings of woodcock on Black down this year, with several being spotted during the month of June. It’s interesting to note as well that with some major council clearance of rhododendron, we should start seeing redstarts back in the area again in a couple of years.

I find it fascinating to watch the changing aspect of the county and the concomitant changes in the distribution of the birds and plants it supports. I wonder what will have changed next time I come back to my Sussex cottages.

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If you are planning a vacation to Northern Scotland, make sure to set aside some time during your stay to view the Duncansby Stacks. Let this serve as your guide to touring the area, finding nearby attractions and choosing the best accommodations.

History of Duncansby Stacks

Most British residents believe that the northernmost location in Britain is the coastal location known as John o’ Groats. John o’ Groats is a popular tourism destination and has been one for decades. However, it is wrongfully coined as the northernmost spot in Britain. In reality, the title belongs to Duncansby Head.

A view of Duncansby Stacks / BillC

Just off the coast from Duncansby Head lies several rock formations that jut out of the water and provide incredible views. The mystical atmosphere has led many to believe that this area is the basis for Mordor, the mythical land in Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Although it is not nearly as popular as John o’ Groats when it comes to visiting tourists, those in the know appreciate the Duncansby Stacks as the northernmost tip of the nation.

Travelling to the Area

There is no denying that this destination in Scotland is off the beaten track. Most visitors arrive by car to Duncansby Stacks. The journey from Edinburgh is nearly 300 miles, so keep in mind that you will almost certainly have some extensive travel coming from further south in England or even Wales. Although there are no direct trains, buses or flights that bring to Duncansby Stacks or the surrounding settlements, there is extensive public transport throughout much of the Scottish Highlands. International Visitors should fly into the Inverness Airport for the nearest location.

Visitor’s Information

In order to visit the Duncansby Stacks, you will first need to visit John o’ Groats. From there, a small road winds along the coast for just over a mile. You can drive or take the local bus until you arrive at Duncansby Head. From here a short walk is required to get a view of the stacks, and the path is clearly signposted the whole way. There is no admission fee associated with visiting Duncansby Stacks.

Nearby Attractions

There are a large number of attractions throughout the Scottish Highlands for visitors to explore. The Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most popular in the region and was featured in several feature films such as Highlander and The World is Not Enough. Other interesting attractions include hiking along famed paths like the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way. Just a few miles from Duncansby Stacks is the Castle of Mey, a beautiful structure that was once home to the late Queen Mother. If you are looking for the attractions of a large city, the nearest option is Inverness. Here you will find the Inverness Castle, the Old High Church and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

A view of Great Glen Way / Draco2008

Accommodation Options

Accommodations in the area around Duncansby Stacks are quite limited. There are just one or two small guesthouses within a mile or two, although there are a number more within driving distance. Some great holiday ideas for visiting this region include camping in the summer or finding villas to rent that offer privacy, exclusivity and surprisingly affordable prices outside of the busiest summer months.

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A nice photo of Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

History of Giant’s Causeway

Scientific study proves that the impressive formation known as Giant’s Causeway is a result of volcanic activity during the Paleogene period. Due to the large amount of volcanic activity in the region, the area had a lava plateau which eventually cooled and contracted. In the instances of rapid contraction, columns shot up from the ground. These columns are what make up the Giant’s Causeway.

Legends and Myths

Although today we know the scientific explanation for the creation of Giant’s Causeway, citizens and explorers of the past made up legends to explain the formation. The most popular of these legends is one involving the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. The myth claims that he was set to battle his Scottish rival Benandonner. When the time came for them to fight, Fionn mac Cumhaill had fallen asleep. His wife covered him with a giant blanket as he slept and told Benandonner that it was their infant son. Upon seeing the size of the baby, Benandonner fled and ripped up the rocks in his escape. This is said to be what created Giant’s Causeway.

A classic view of a typical rock formation at the Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by code poet

Visitor’s Information

For years the area has been without a visitor’s center, but in 2012 a center will be completed and feature exhibits about the formation of the Giant’s Causeway as well as some of the most popular legend surrounding it. Most people enjoy simply walking around the formation and taking pictures of the incredible landscape. There are some buses to the area but most visitors arrive by car as there is ample parking available. While there is no admission fee to tour the Giant’s Causeway, there is a parking fee of £6 per vehicle. Keep in mind that the attraction opens at dawn and closes promptly at sunset throughout the year.

Other Regional Attractions

The town nearest to Giant’s Causeway is Antrim. This town is full of historical landmarks, exciting attractions and plenty of culture. Head to the town’s shoreline of Lough Neagh in order to experience traditional Irish coastline. Although it is often too cold for swimming, there is still plenty of exciting recreation to be had there. Other popular attractions in the region include the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. This is a fun and exciting attraction costing £4 per person. The bridge might feel unsteady, but it is very safe and is regularly checked as a precaution. Children in particular love the excitement of the swinging bridge.

Nearby Accommodation Options

There is an abundance of accommodation options available in the area surrounding Giant’s Causeway. As one of the more popular destinations for European holidays, local hotels and guesthouses are prepared for larger numbers of travellers, especially in the summer months. If you would rather stay in a city, look for apartments in Northern Ireland rather than inns and small hotels. Private apartments for rent are available in nearby cities like Belfast and Lisburn.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

There are several legends about this place, the most famous is about 40 girls who in an effort to avoid the Turkish slavery together jumped off cliffs into the sea. This fabulous event is commemorated by an obelisk called the “The Gate of the 40 Maidens” at the entrance to the Cape. You’ll also find a small museum with archaeological finds here. There are remnants of Tirisis fort that was built before the advent of the Romans and served until the Middle Ages. Its location on the Cape was not accidental, the sea and high cliffs represented an ideal natural protection against invaders.

But the main thing that attracts tourists, is the overall scenery of the Cape and the local nature at all. The dramatic view from the top of the rocks of the turquoise sea is really worth it. There are many caves and photogenic corners here. Kaliakra Cape is a protected area since 1941, but since that it has increased its area three times and now reaches 687 ha.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marcin Chady

Fairly typical is to watch the dolphins while playing in the waves. Even relatively recently it was also a home to rare Mediterranean seal. This animal was in the past, very abundant and very common throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea including Bulgaria, but due to the pollution of their environment, hunting and development of the tourism industry they disappeared. The last Bulgarian seals could be seen in the early eighties of the 20th century. Today, Mediterranean seal is officially considered the most endangered mammal of the European Union and its future existence is uncertain.

Other places for nature lovers are 8 kilometres away, in Taukliman protected area and the subsequent reservation called Jajlata.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

Surroundings of Kaliakra Cape is interesting not only from the land but also from the sea. In August 1791, in the vicinity of the cape, there was a naval battle, during which the Russian fleet under the leadership of the famous admiral Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov completely destroyed the large Turkish fleet. That is one reason why the area attracts divers and wrecks seekers. On the seabed there are a number of objects and remnants of ships from various medieval periods and of the World War II.

Very interesting is also a restaurant situated in one of the caves in the middle of the Cape. It boasts an outdoor garden offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. However you will not find any accommodation right on the spot, most tourists come here on a trip from various places on the Black Sea, for example, from a well-known resort of Albena. If you go on your own, you surely find some bed in the vicinity.

So if you wandered into this region, just visit this place, where sea fights with the mainland and still make for an unusual beauty.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adam Sporka

The highest peak, where you can get by a cable car, is Palon with its height of 2090 meters. The lowest station of the cable car is at an altitude of 1175 meters and the whole area has such an elevation of about 900 meters. Lone peak Palon offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain massifs, such as the Dolomites.

The resort of Monte Bondone boasts 20 kilometers of slopes, mainly red ones, which thanks to modern snow cannons, has always enough snow. The favourite ski slope is certainly Gran Pista, means “large slope”. It is 3.5 kilometres long slope, exceeds elevation of more than 800 meters and is considered the best slope in the region, which is confirmed by several awards. There is a lift called Rocce Rosse, which boasts being the chairlift with the greatest elevation in Europe. Thanks to Rocce Rosse you can be on the top of the slope within 7 minutes. All 6 lifts that are in the resort of Monte Bondone can carry more than 14 000 skiers per hour.

Monte Bondone is a friendly resort for families with children, so you can find here sufficient number of ski schools. Brave skiers can look forward to 120 meters long and 5 meters high U-ramp, boarder-cross track and many tricks. Cross-country skiers will appreciate the 35 km long route, which is located in the ski center Viotte. This route is suitable both for classic and skating styles. Among popular sports is also walking around in snowshoes, for which there are several trails prepared.

Ski pass prices and opening hours
The first lift runs at 8:45 in the morning, the last one at 16:45. Adult skier pays in high season €28 for a one-day ski-pass, €75 for a three-days ski-pass and €129 for a six-days ski-pass. Children under 8 years pay half price.

Of course there are rental services, shops, restaurants and bars in the resort. Much wider range of entertainment is ensured by nearby Trento, which can be reached by bus in about half an hour. The resort is situated in the Nature reserve of the Tre Cime del Monte Bondone and is a great travel tip also in summer.

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In the delta of this Lithuanian river lies the island of Rusnė, which is, with its area of ​​4800 hectares, the largest island in the country. Moreover, it is still increasing by 15 to 20cm annually. The island is a haven for 270 of the 325 Lithuanian bird species. Wetlands here are a paradise for ornithologists. The best place for bird watching is Naikupė, Uostadvaris or Rusnė. Among the millions of species of birds that flies over the island every year, you can see also rare species such as black stork, white-tailed eagle, Black-tailed Godwit etc.

Neman (Nemunas) river, Lithuania by Claire

Rusnė Island is also a place of migratory water birds, as it lies on a major bird migration route – East Atlantic Flyway (birds flying from the Arctic through Europe to East Africa). Birds stop here to gain strength.

In Nemunas Delta Natural Park there is also an important ornithological station and museum. The first Ringing station was founded here already in 1929, but just in the years of 1959 – 1960, the large bird traps were installed here. In 1998 the station celebrated its interesting anniversary – ringed its millionth bird.

The information centers, located in Rusnė, Ventė and Šilutė, offer educational trips associated with bird watching and fishing. Another option is a boat trip with an English or German speaking guide, which guides you through the many waterways in the park. It is also possible to arrange accommodation in the farm or to arrange fishing permits.

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Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (La Riserva naturale orientata Monte Cofano) offers to Sicilian visitors an unspoilt beauty and presents a significant value for natural and anthropological features.

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The mountain is formed by a combination of dolomite, carbonate rocks that are the oldest outcrops in the province and date back to the Triassic, about 200 million years ago. They are separated from neighboring area Gnarosa Marcato by a small saddle. You can follow the marked trail starting from the beach Cala Buguto that leads all around the perimeter of the mountain. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy a splendid view of the coastline.

There are many signs of human presence in this area since prehistoric times as evidenced by the graffiti and stone tools which were found in caves Miceli, Buffa, del Crocefisso and Mangiapane.

In June 1991 the area was declared a nature reserve.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Grzegorz

According to an ancient legend, Błędów Desert was created by the devil, who tore the the bag of sand at the local church tower.

In fact, the sand is the remaining of melting glaciers. However it overgrown after some time. The present appearance of the countryside made people already in the thirteenth century, when they began to use land here, water and cut down forests. A narrow layer of the soil was destroyed and the sand appeared again. At the beginning of the 19th century, the desert had 80 km2. Now the sand is overgrowing again, and the desert is shrinking.

Since 2010, some projects have been initiated to save this unique area. Błędów Desert is often referred to as the Polish Sahara. This similarity is often used by the filmmakers. In the past, it was a training area for army. Today, you can find here the remains of fortifications however the part of the desert is still a military area.

Błędów Desert is best accessible from the village of Chechlo and Klucze, where you can follow the tourist trail. A popular way to see the beauty of this unique European piece of desert is from horseback.

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