Hazelborough Wood, Northamptonshire
These are tranquil ancient woodlands where deer and even badgers live. So roll out your blanket and enjoy a picnic while you watch and wait.
Thetford Forest, Norfolk
This tall pine forest is home to a wide variety of birds including red crossbills, goldfinches and woodlarks. There’s also red deer, roe deer and muntjac deer.
Wood of Cree, Dumfries & Galloway
The largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland, this area has woodpeckers, owls and buzzards as well as three varieties of deer. If you’re lucky, you might spot red squirrels, pine martens and otters.
Cairngorms, Inverness-shire
This is a huge area of wilderness where you may see red grouse and red deer, but to guarantee a sighting of otters, red squirrels and red deer, visit the Highland Wildlife Park on the north-west edge.
Yellow Wood Bush Camp, Powys
This is how camping should be. There are five acres of ancient woodland where the owner, bush-camping specialist Paul, runs bushcraft courses; you can learn how to identify edible plants and light fires without matches.
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Starting in the Cannop Valley, this circular family cycle trail follows an old railway route past plenty of great picnic sites.
Llyn Mair, Gwynedd, North Wales
An easy walk through the woodlands along the edge of the picturesque lake. You can even ride on the historic Ffestiniog Railway.
Birnam Woods, Perthshire
This is a gentle stroll from the pretty village of Birnam, taking in Beatrix Potter’s garden, the lovely River Tay and Macbeth’s famous oak tree, all along pushchair-friendly paths.
Muncaster Castle, Cumbria Set in the Lake District’s rolling hills, Muncaster is one of Britain’s best places for seeing wild tawny owls. You can also visit the wildflower woods and meadows and enjoy feeding time with the resident herons.
Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire
Hazel dormice live here, along with foxes, badgers, polecats, fallow deer, muntjac deer, woodpeckers and tawny and long-eared owls. Go to the RSPB centre at Fineshade Woods to map out your visit.
More days out on Junior:
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The best days out... ever!
