As wildlife experiences go, wildlife watching in West Sussex is one of the best! You'll spend around three hours on the stunning Cowdray private estate that covers 7500 hectares.
You'll be guided to the best areas of this West Sussex estate for wildlife spotting by expert rangers. It's then a case of settling quietly and waiting. Listen out for a movement, the ruffling of leaves, the sound of small furry feet - and suddenly, there you are face-to-face with badgers, hares, rabbits and Roe deer. Truly magical.
What's more, you'll be taken around in a 4x4 vehicle for most of the experience, so there's very little trudging around to be done. Visits are available between April and September, with a thermos for hot drinks in winter and estate-produced apple juice provided in summer.
If you're ready and willing to do an early start, you can see the animals at dawn. Or if you prefer bats and badgers, go for an evening tour, as you observe how the forests and woodlands come alive at dusk. All wildlife tours start and finish at Cowdray Estate golf club.
These wildlife outings are completely flexible and exclusive to you, with vouchers for two, three or four to tour together. Children are welcome (of course they'll need to be aware about staying quiet when waiting with bated breath for the wildlife) and the estate's rangers will adapt the safari to suit your group.
All ages will love the panoramic views from the top of the South Downs, which are combined with the delight of seeing indigenous creatures, unaware that they are being observed, just going about their everyday life in the wild. You might be observing courtship rituals, drinking and feeding, or simply animals having a nice snooze in the sunshine!
We think three hours spent exploring Cowdray's estate is the perfect wildlife experience for nature-loving adults and youngsters alike, with West Sussex's rich wildlife heritage on parade.
