Kielder safaris launched by Northern Experience Wildlife Tours

Aug 20 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

FORGET Kenya, a Northumberland visitor destination is now the place to be for safari fans. Kielder Water and Forest Park is set to offer a brand new African-style safari experience.

The views won’t be elephants and rhinos but rather wild deer and England’s native red squirrel.

Visitors will soon be able to get up close and personal with Kielder’s abundant wildlife and experience previously unseen parts of Northumberland’s rugged wilderness in the company of an expert local guide.

Northern Experience Wildlife Tours (NEWT), the only wildlife tour operator based in Northumberland, has added the Kielder safari days to its already bustling programme of exclusive guided bird watching and wildlife tours in the county, as well as the North Pennines and the Scottish Borders.

Wildlife found in the park includes roe deer, native red squirrels, birds of prey such as osprey, otters, bats and many woodland birds. All can be seen on the tours from the comfort of a safari style Land Rover.

Martin Kitchin, senior guide for NEWT, said: “The variety of species in Kielder Water and Forest Park is a huge part of the wildlife on offer in Northumberland so it made sense to expand the business there.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring the park to the masses – at 250 square miles it can be daunting to begin exploring alone but on our full day safari we show visitors how to enjoy the wilderness area safely. We have access to forest roads that are not open to the public giving us a greater chance of spotting things you wouldn’t normally see.”

Martin, who has been bird watching for forty years and has almost a decade’s experience organising and leading wildlife tours, started his successful business less than two years ago after deciding to leave his career in teaching to follow his dream.

Coun Isabel Hunter, executive member for culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “It is great to see this Northumberland business extending it services to Kielder.

“It is a great addition to the wide range of activities for visitors that are being developed at the park.”

Upcoming safaris take place on Thursday, August 27 and Thursday, September 3.

The tours last for six hours and include a picnic lunch.

Special introductory prices for the Kielder safaris are £50 for adults (normally £60) and £25 for children under 16 (normally £40).

To book online go to www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk or call (01670) 827 465.