4-Nights Birdwatching Holiday with Natural Links
Based at the Kingston Country Courtyard Hotel, Kingston
Monday 13 to Friday 17 April 2026
Introduction
The diverse landscapes and habitats of South Dorset make it an ideal location for a wide variety of birds, especially in spring with resident birds well into their breeding season by mid-April and returning migrants arriving and setting up territories. Join your weekend leaders, Dave Fairlamb and Graeme Ruthven of Natural Links for a birdwatching mid-week break packed with the best of South Dorset birds combined with all the comfort you would expect from the Kingston Country Courtyard Hotel, situated in the small village of Kinsgton, about 2 miles south of Corfe Castle.
Kingston Country Courtyard Hotel
This 4-star family-run Hotel is located in the heart of the Purbecks in Kingston, with lovely views over the Dorset countryside. Bedrooms are situated around two courtyards, and each is unique, featuring stone walls and exposed beams. The restaurant features locally sourced produce, largely from within twenty miles of the Hotel, served with an international twist of delicious flavours. The grounds have beautiful gardens and woods and stunning panoramic views.
Birdwatching
Our birdwatching locations are located around the Isle of Purbeck peninsula and Poole Harbour in South Dorset.
Ospreys were introduced in Poole Harbour in 2017 with successful breeding from 2022, birds returning from their African wintering grounds in late March each year. They have been joined in the Harbour in recent years by White-tailed Eagles, birds originating from the nearby Isle of Wight introduction project. The Harbour and Brownsea Island provide excellent birdwatching in spring, with both Sandwich and Common Terns nesting, along with gulls, Shelduck and Oystercatcher. Passage waders can include Avocet, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Ruff and Bar-tailed Godwit.
The heathlands of Arne are a stronghold of the Dartford Warbler, with around 70 pairs present. With a mix of habitats including woodland, wetland and mudflats, the site has a rich array of breeding species including Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Durlston Head supports a breeding seabird colony, one of the largest on the south coast of England, with good numbers of Guillemots in particular, plus Razorbill, Shag, Fulmar and Great Black-backed Gull. Further west, the cliffs of Dancing Ledge can host both Kittiwake and Puffin. The Head is also home to Peregrine, Raven and Black Redstart and can also be a magnet for migrant birds in the right weather conditions.
The National Nature Reserve at Studland is another good site for Dartford Warbler. The site has an amazing range of habitats with woodland, lakes, reedbeds, heath, dunes and beach. The reedbeds have both Sedge and Reed Warblers, along with Water Rail and Marsh Harrier. Herons, Egrets and Spoonbills are regular sightings and the woodlands hold Siskin and Redpoll. Away from birds, the reserve has all 6 native British reptiles, Grass Snake, Smooth Snake, Adder, Slow Worm, Common and Sand Lizards.
Provisional Programme of Site Visits
Monday 13 April
Guests arrive at the Kingston Country Courtyard Hotel from 3pm Check-in time onwards.
Late Afternoon: Meet your leaders, Dave Fairlamb and Graeme Ruthven, at the Hotel entrance for a birdwatching walk from 4pm, exploring the countryside around the Hotel, returning no later than 5.30pm.
Tuesday 14 April
All Day: Arne RSPB Nature Reserve
Wednesday 15 April
Morning: Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
Afternoon: Dancing Ledge
Thursday 16 April
All Day: Boat trip from Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island
Friday 17 April
Morning into early Afternoon: Studland and Godlingston Heaths National Nature Reserve, finishing ca 2pm.
The tariff for Spring Birds of South Devon
£926 per person when sharing a double or twin room
£976 per person for single occupancy room
The price includes VAT, and covers:
- 4 night’s accommodation at the Kingston Country Courtyard Hotel
- 4 x Full English breakfasts
- 4 x Evening Dinner (2 courses)
- 4 x Packed Lunches
- All birdwatching guiding by Natural Links
- Illustrated Talks and Quizzes on all evenings
NOT included in tariff:
- Boat trip and entry on to Brownsea Island (Boat Trip current cost £14.50 and landing fee £11, though landing is Free to National Trust members)
- Entry to Arne Nature Reserve (£5 but Free to RSPB Reserves), Car Parking at Durlston Country Park (£6.50), Car Parking at Spyway (£4, but Free to National Trust members) and Studland (£6).
Please note prices above are 2025 rates and may be different in April 2026.
Payment Schedule
Deposit of £250 per person payable on receipt of booking confirmation.
Outstanding Balance to be paid by 12 January 2026.
Cancellations
Due to special group rates secured with the Hotel and Natural Links, cancellations can only be made up to the day before the outstanding balance is due, 30 January 2026, with deposit/s either returned or used as credit towards future Natural Links events/holidays bookings.
Changes to Itinerary
The itinerary stated above is provisional as factors outside the control of Natural Links may result in changes to the itinerary.
Car-sharing
We courteously ask guests to car-share for travel around birdwatching sites in South Dorset.
To book please contact Dave Fairlamb at natural.links@outlook.com
