What to expect on a NaturesGems experience
Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature
Every moment in nature is unique.
Join NaturesGems for a walk with a difference…… explore the nature of Morecambe Bay with a knowledgeable experienced local guide. A quality small group experience, a fun packed day out with stunning locations, opportunities for photography and a taste of the land.
All of this whilst supporting the inspiring conservation work that takes place in the area - 5% of NaturesGems income goes directly to local conservation projects.
Alongside our full and half day experiences we offer a number of special events and workshops - head to the Booking page to see what’s on.
Check out our reviews to see feedback from recent nature explorers
1/2 day Nature Experience
Tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm.
Walking around 3 miles (5km), visiting one site only.
Sites will be selected depending on time of year, what there is to see and weather conditions.
A vegetarian picnic lunch of tasty wholesome local produce will be provided.
Full day Nature Experience
Tours start at 9am and finish around 4pm.
Walking an average of 6 miles (10km), visiting two different sites.
You will use your own vehicle to move the short distances in between sites (group transport is not provided at this time).
A vegetarian picnic lunch of tasty wholesome local produce will be provided.
Bespoke Tours
Design your own bespoke tour.
Discover something specific you would like to see or a place you would like to explore.
Reconnect with a group of colleagues on a team building day with a difference or just have a fun day out with friends.
Please contact us with your request and we can discuss options.
FAQs
Where do NaturesGems tours take place?
Most of our tours take place within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB or Lake District National Park, with one of our full day tours based out on the Furness peninsula. Specific locations will change depending on the time of year and weather conditions. You will receive full joining instructions at least 4 days prior to your tour.
What will we see?
On our tours hope to see a wide variety of birds, butterflies, wild orchids, a whole array of interesting plants and fantastic views. However, NaturesGems cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings, as nature is unpredictable. You’ll see different things at different times of year - our main season is May through to October.
How fit do I need to be?
On our half day tours we walk on average 5km and full days around 10km. Tours are slow paced, but they are out in the countryside, so there will be some hill walking and rough terrain. This may be tiring for you if you are not especially fit. For this reason, please do let us know when booking if you have a pre-existing medical condition or accessibility requirements that we should be aware of prior to the tour.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring a rucksack, plenty of water, snacks, hand sanitiser, tissues etc along with anything else that you might need for the day. You will need to be able to carry everything yourself. Suitable footwear (walking shoes or walking boots) will be essential, along with sensible layers and waterproofs plus insect repellent, sun hat and sun cream or woolly hat and gloves etc., depending on the weather forecast.
We recommend you bring a pair of binoculars on your tour. If you don't own any, we have a small number of high-quality binoculars available to loan on the day.
Don’t forget to bring a camera or use your phone to take lots of photos, there will be plenty of time to stop and admire the views and wildlife.
What about lunch?
A vegetarian lunch will be provided on most tours – where not it will be clearly stated. Special dietary requirements will be catered for where possible and must be notified at the time of booking. Drinks are not provided as part of the lunch package so please make sure you bring plenty with you.
Do I need to know anything about nature?
No, your guide is a nature expert and will share lots of fun facts with you on the day. Everyone with an interest in nature is welcome, from beginners to the more experienced.
How many people will be on my tour?
In order to give you the maximum personal attention, as well as to minimise disturbance to wildlife, our tours cater for small groups only, with a maximum of 10 people.
Can I bring my family and/or pets?
NaturesGems tours are not suitable for young children, we recommend a minimum age of 10 years. However, if you have younger children who are very keen then please contact us to discuss. All under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please do not bring your dog, or other pets, as they may disturb the wildlife!
How do I get there?
At present we do not offer transport for your tours so you will need to arrive under your own steam. There is car parking provision at all of our sites and many sites also have cycle racks if you prefer to come by bike.
Arnside and Silverdale train stations are in walking distance of some of our sites. These are on the Cumbrian Coast line, N6 timetable link here.
Train Timetables 2022 | UK Train Times | Northern (northernrailway.co.uk)
What about toilets?
Wherever possible, we will try to arrange comfort breaks during the day. On some of our more remote Day Trips this isn’t always possible, and on those occasions you will need to be prepared for the odd ‘bush stop’! If this is likely, we will alert you in the joining instructions beforehand.
How does my booking help support local conservation projects?
Your booking makes a difference for local wildlife; NaturesGems works closely with local conservation organisations and donates 5% from our income to support their work.
How can you help protect nature on your tour?
We are committed to the Love Morecambe Bay Pledge. As a responsible tourism business, we pledge to:
Reduce our own impact on our precious natural resources.
Share the Coastal Code with our visitors to protect the nature of Morecambe Bay.
Help our customers tread lightly when on their travels by leaving a positive impact on our local community, and on our natural environment
Give a warm and equal welcome to all visitors including walkers, cyclists and those with access needs.
Share the love and champion the Bay on social media
We aim to conduct our tours in the most environmentally friendly way (see our Green Policy) and our visitors have an important role to play in helping preserve these places for the future.
Here is how you can help minimise your impact.
· Help us look after the physical environment, landscape and nature by not littering.
· When visiting ancient monuments, the natural environment and historic buildings please only use designated paths and public right of ways.
· We are supporters of shop local. We encourage you to buy local and authentic, which helps support local business and communities.
· We support the Countryside Code and its three key principles: Respect, Protect and Enjoy The Countryside Code
· Our lunches and refreshments come from local providers who use locally sourced produce, products and services.
· We encourage you to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible when visiting the area.
What else can I do in the area?
If you want to learn a bit more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area or plan a longer stay we recommend taking a look at the following websites
Arnside & Silverdale AONB | Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty : Arnside Silverdale AONB
Arnside and Silverdale | National Trust
Explore | Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Care for the Bay | Morecambe Bay Partnership
Lancashire’s wildlife-rich Limestone Coast - Discover Bowland Discover Bowland
Please note: NaturesGems cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings, nature is unpredictable.
In order that all our customers can enjoy a tour in comfort, we insist that smokers refrain from smoking in the proximity of all other group members, and while watching wildlife, at all times.
Changes to booking dates can only be made at least 7 days in advance of your planned experience. This allows us an opportunity to fill your place. Refunds are not given for cancellations less than 7 days prior to your tour.
See here for full terms and conditions
