Wildlife Discover the unique natural history of the Pyrenees... Guided weeks, route guides, species lists, expert local knowledge Hotel accommodation £350 / week, apartments from £99 / person
Home News Winter Apartments Hotels Booking Travel	Photos of interesting local flowers can be found here. We need not explain the importance of the Pyrenees to the confirmed botanist, the amateur enthusiast can only marvel at the superb show, the variety and abundance of species, with 1400 plants in our valley alone and more than 3000 in the range. The climate, orientation of different hillsides, altitude and geological diversity combine to produce a unique flora of an incredible richness. The Pyrenean flora counts 150 endemic plants including such contrasting particularities as Ramonda, found in the Tropics during the tertiary period, and Moss Campion found in glaciers during the quaternary period, both of which can be found locally. During June and July we will be leading flower walks at our favourite sites including Gavarnie, Gedre. In general June is the best month for the spring flowers and July for the high alpines, although there is always something to see through until mid-September. We are very privileged to offer botanical outings with Charles Gerbet from the National Park service, Charles is a leading expert on the Pyrenean flora. Lists from previous outings sent on request. ¬40 including transport. Dates to be confirmed. Taste of the Pyrenees Weeks 14–21 June, 23–30 August 2008. £625. Seven nights half-board 3 star Hotel Montaigu in Luz. Gentle guided nature walks, local history and cuisine, five days of outings, local transport included. Botanical Garden... Bareges has a botanical garden devoted to the flora of the Pyrenees, where one can enjoy a superb collection of the plants one encounters in the wild*.*	The birdlife here in the Pyrenees is very specialised. Our route guides, bird guides and guided days will help you to discover the very best local sites. The area excels in the number and variety of raptors- Bearded Vulture (seven pairs nesting locally), Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonellis Eagle, Short-Toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, and the ever-present Griffon. The bird many enthusiasts will want to see is the elusive Wallcreeper, which although during the summer is seldom found below 2,000m it can be found at lower altitudes during the spring months. Our closest nesting site is two hours walk from Bareges (we have observed the birds regularly through to mid-July). The bird otherwise can also be found high on the frontier ridge at 2500m. We can organise a day to accompany you to our most reliable site. Other species found locally of interest to British birdwatchers are Eagle Owl, Alpine Accentor, Snow Finch, Citril Finch, Capercaillie, Rock Thrush, Firecrest and we have a good number of Black Woodpeckers nesting locally. Our extensive bird lists are an invaluable aid to finding where particular species can be found and can be used with our route guide to the local footpath network, most importantly we explain ourselves what you can expect to find and where you can find it. Our minibus drops and guided weeks will concentrate on the birdlife during the early summer allowing you to visit a large number of varied sites. Guided Birding Week 31 May–7 June 2008 with participation by a very gifted professional ornithologist with 30 years of experience within the Parc National des Pyrenees. Lists from previous outings sent on request.	We offer guided butterfly holidays and every help for those who prefer to explore independently. Mountain and meadow species abound in one of Europe's few remaining largely unspoiled habitats. One frequent visitor describes Bareges as the butterfly capital of the world! The richness of the local plantlife helped by natural farming techniques produce a perfect natural environment for butterfles to flourish. Some local meadows have produced over 30 species in a single day, to date we have have identified 120 species here and there are more! If you wish to discover our butterflies independently you will receive our butterfly maps, and route guides with our full local species list. Please click on the link below for our butterfly holidays. Butterfly Week with Mark Brown 28 June–5 July 2008 Mark has been visiting this area for 20 years, his local knowledge of the butterflies is unequalled. Each day we will visit a number of sites where Mark will seek out the local specialities. You will enjoy a splendid variety of butterflies in a glorious mountain setting. Boots and cameras essential. Cost £655. Seven nights half-board, five full day outings with transport provided. Accommodation will be in the excellent Hotel Montaigu in Luz St Sauveur. Three star hotel with garden, terrace, bar, excellent restaurant, all rooms en-suite, most with balconies. Single supplements apply. Travel to the Pyrenees is not included. Photos and species list Butterfly Week 2007 Species lists sent on request.
	Contact Peter or Jude Tel: 0033 562 926 895 Fax: 0033 562 928 343 e-mail: peter@borderlinehols.com