Take a Cotswolds Tour
Lucy & Richard from Cotswolds Guided Tours, run fantastic 6 hour tours of the Cotswolds. We love meeting guests from all around the globe. During our tours as we travel to each location we explain the history & quirky facts.
There are lots of beautiful villages to explore in the Cotswolds, as we travel to each location, or as you are wandering through the villages on our Cotswolds tour, you may spot some of these little ladies & gents, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!
We have also included nocturnal wildlife, so if you are staying locally in the Cotswolds then these little critters may be living close by to your accommodation! Just remember we are the only tour company that collects guests from 4 locations, Moreton in Marsh, Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water & Chipping Campden.
We thought it would be nice for our guests to see some examples of the fabulous Cotswolds wildlife that can be spotted in the region throughout the year. So let's take you on a wildlife tour of the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds Wildlife
'And out again I curve and flow, to join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever'
The Brook - Alfred Tennyson.
There are many river side villages within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With rivers flowing through fields & villages, wildlife can be spotted in quieter locations. Otter's are seeing a come back, Brown Trout can be seen & dragon flies, which seem like natures own aircraft creating acrobatic displays. On our Famous Cotswolds Tour, you will explore the waterside villages of Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter & Bourton on the Water.
Cotswolds Cottage Gardens
If you are staying in the Cotswolds, or during the day throughout the tour, something our guests often comment on if the bird song. Common cottage garden birds, include the Robin, Blue Tits, Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Grey Tits Tree Creepers and more. There is something very special about the dawn chorus. When the birds awake at the start of a new day. Most noticeable in Spring Time, if you get a chance make yourself a cup of tea and sit back & listen to their call. The Cotswolds is the perfect place for 'twitchers' (bird watchers)!
With the Cotswolds being 80% farmland it is unsurprising that wildlife has adapted to thrive. The fields are full of pheasants, their beautiful plumage a riot of colour. Little stoats & larger weasels have been spotted by guests on our tours, darting across the fields as they hunt for a tasty meal. Spring is also the time for spotting the 'Mad March Hares' dashing & racing across the open countryside. The fields are enclosed with hedgerows, perfect for providing shelter, along with our iconic dry stone walls that provides habitats to a whole host of wildlife.
Cotswolds Guided Tours
As we are driving through the countryside on our Cotswold tours, we often see birds of prey, perched on tree branches, watching & waiting, their patience unwavering. There is a common misconception that these birds will fly for hours at a time. In fact they need to preserve their energy so will only take flight if there is a high chance of a good catch. Common birds spotted throughout the Cotswolds tour are buzzards. We have seen a sparrow hawk in our own Cotswolds cottage garden, diving & crashing through our hedges. The barn owl is a rare treat, most likely seen at dawn or dusk, they are beautiful, almost magical as they fly low over the Cotswold fields.
Take a Cotswolds Day Trip
Lucy & Richard Lambert run fun, friendly & informative 6 hour Cotswolds tours. They live in the Cotswolds & have a passion for the area, its history & wildlife. Their energy & excitement at sharing the regions secrets with you, will ensure you have a wonderful day out exploring. Although they can not guarantee that you will spot the wildlife mentioned here, they hope you have enjoyed learning a little bit about the local residents who you may 'spot' if you decide to spend the day with Cotswolds Guided Tours.