Nature Stays - Ambios

A hands-on holiday in nature

Our one or two week Nature Conservation Stays offer a unique opportunity to get closer to nature, building both your knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. You will be based at Lower Sharpham Farm, our farm managed for wildlife in the idyllic Dart Valley in South Devon. You will take part in nature conservation activities such as bird ringing and wild food foraging whilst also having the opportunity to help out on our working farm and explore your beautiful surroundings in the Dart Valley. You will meet others with a shared passion for nature staying in our cosy nature lodge. Communal meals made from organic local produce will be provided.

What to expect

Your programme will include a hands-on, authentic wildlife and farm experience every day. Sctivities range from bird ringing, habitat creation or wild food foraging. You will also have the opportunity to help out with the day to day work on the farm; collecting eggs, feedling livestock or helping with daily farm tasks including fencing, hedge laying, or tending our organic vegetable garden. You will be working alongside the Ambios community which includes wild-life professionals, volunteers, and trainees some of whom have learning difficulties. The more scientifically minded might even like to get involved with one of our research projects into Bumblebee Longevity or Farmland Bird Surveys.

You may also want to take some time out to explore our beautiful surroundings. You can enjoy the tranquil woods and species rich fields around the farm. You might choose to undertake the 3o minute walk into the bustling, bohemian market town of Tones famed for it’s independent shops and cafes. If you come by car, the varied landscapes of the South Devon Coast and Dartmoor are only half an hour away.

A typical nature stay day

8am: Wake up and enjoy traditional farmhouse breakfast with the other farm team in the dining area of the communal nature lodge.

10am: Foraging for a feast with foraging expert Brigit-Anna McNeil. We discover the varied landscapes of the Sharpham Estate, whilst learning to identify different plants and finding delicious things to eat.

12pm: A quick lunch of Ratatouille made from organic vegetables sourced from our own garden.We eat together and discuss the mornings events.

2pm: Helping on the farm. Today we are installing wildlife boxes around the farm to encourage birds, bats and dormice. We are also moving and feeding the animals.

6pm: Preparing our Foraging Feast. As part of a team you will create a delicious feast, using the wild ingredients sourced on our Foraging exploration. We may also enjoy a bottle of Sharpham Wine from the Sharpham Estate.

10pm: Badger Watching. Those with enough energy left can join us to watch the local badgers come out at night. Although we will understand if you want to get an early night in the cosy nature lodge after a busy day!

Eco-accommodation

Eco-accommodation is provided in our Nature Lodge, Yurt and camping in our Earthship and on the farm. The Nature Lodge is an 8 bedroom, 2 bathroom log cabin, with a shared kitchen and living area. Nestled amongst the trees, it provides a secure and relaxing space to return to after a day of learning and activities. Close by is our traditional yurt. It is fully insulated and carpeted with a cosy wood burning stove. Our inspirational Earthship – created in partnership with Schumacher College – sited in our organic market garden is ideal for wild camping, with South Easterly views of the rising sun, an unbeatable morning wake up. All meals are available from local produce (direct from our farm where possible) with special dietary requirements catered for on request

How to book

We will shortly be providing a list of dates for our Nature Stays throughout the year. If you would like further information please email us on info@ambios.net or call us on 01803 732747.

If you would like to book a holiday with us please pay using the papal link below. Be sure to email us first to confirm dates!