 |
|
|
|
About Us
|
|
We are Graham and Theresa Thompson, who between us have amassed over 40 years of experience as birdwatchers / naturalists,
and been professionals in the field of nature conservation, which includes us having recently spent a record 9 years managing
Skokholm Island Bird Observatory in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Our interests and skills lay not just with birds - Graham
is a fully-trained ecologist with an Honours Degree in Ecology, and Theresa a professional caterer.
We are both highly experienced with all aspects of nature and its conservation. Our identification skills
match our experience in conservation - of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and both flowering- and non-flowering plants.
And if we can't identify something in the field, our extensive library will ensure that we do so back at home.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! HERE ARE SOME EXTRACTS FROM OUR VISITOR BOOK:
"We have enjoyed a splendid week of birding and fine food. We have never met a guide with Graham's level
of knowledge and expertise of all things natural and the ability to locate and identify birds with his own form of "radar"
and field skills. We have been fuelled throughout the week by Theresa's catholic breakfasts, innovative packed lunches
and excellent evening meals - a cuisine that would rival any Logis", wrote Simon and Glen Stevens from Dawlish, Devon.
"Our first visit - we knew the food would be good, expected the accommodation to be comfortable, were confident that the
guiding would be first class. This week has exceeded our expectations on all fronts - thanks for everything." wrote
Ted and Rosie Bell from Ware, Hertfordshire.
"Wonderful company, wonderful scenery, wonderful food and lots of wonderful birds. Your success is assured!"
wrote John Halstead, from Droitwich.
"Search for Wallcreepers" holiday - well, we found one on the first day and another on the second! Then we found
so much else thanks to Graham's help - Marsh and Crested Tits, Firecrest, Dipper, Ring Ouzel, Little Owl and Eagle Owl to
name a few. Thank you Graham for your careful driving and sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you Theresa
for your care and good cooking. And snow on my birthday - what more could we want? Thank you. Megan Taylor,
Canterbury, Kent.
"Your house is beautiful and the Auvergne is a corner of Heaven. Thanks for your company and the great food, and
for helping us to become "birders". Bernard and Gwen Harris, Dudley.
"It has been tremendous to have Graham's expertise on the birds and plants, and Theresa's care over all aspects.
A thousand thanks!" David and Mary Quine, Ambleside, Cumbria.
"Graham's patience, experience and humour has made this holiday very special for us. Theresa's kindness and automatic
response to our needs has made us feel at home. We'll be back with our friends." Elaine Adkin of London.
A note on GLOBAL WARMING: IF YOU LIKE TO HOLIDAY ABROAD, BUT ALSO WANT TO REDUCE YOUR "CARBON
FOOTPRINT" TO HELP COMBAT GLOBAL WARMING, FRANCE IS AN IDEAL LOCATION - not too far to travel, but still very much
"exotic" (see our HOLIDAY OPTIONS page on how to get to us).
|
|
|
The area surrounding the house is alive with a huge variety of birds and wildlife.
Without even leaving the building it is possible to see and hear...
... Firecrest, Black
Woodpecker, Crossbill, Raven, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Black Redstart, Hawfinch, Red-backed Shrike, Serin and
Crag Martin, Pine Marten and Red Squirrel! Spectacular insects abound, with many species of butterflies, moths, riverine
dragonflies, and other groups. Glow-worms can also be seen in the wildflower-rich garden which is managed solely for nature.
Eagle Owl, Great
Grey Shrike and the elusive Tengmalm’s Owl and Hazel Hen are resident within a few kilometres of Les Frenes, the
Auvergne being a notable stronghold
for these species. Wild Boar and various deer are found locally too. There is a wide array of small mammals to
be found, and similarly reptiles and amphibians.
Wallcreeper, Alpine
Swift, Alpine Accentor, Citril Finch, Water Pipit, White Stork, Purple Heron, Rock Thrush, Bee-eater, Black-necked Grebe,
Black-winged Stilt, Whiskered Tern and Red-crested Pochard are all to be seen within an hour to an hour and a half's drive
of Les Frenes (through stunning countryside), whilst Honey Buzzard, Montague’s Harrier, Short-toed Eagle, and Red and Black Kite are widespread
throughout.
The hilltops are
super spots from which to observe bird migration, particularly in late summer/autumn: late July and into August is the peak
for hirundines and Black Kites; late August, Honey Buzzards; early September, Osprey and Black Stork; October for huge numbers
of finches and larks, Red Kite and late in the month and into November comes Common Crane. A number of these "migration watchpoints"
are manned by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), France’s Birdlife partner and
the equivalent of the RSPB in the UK.
A huge variety of habitats exist in the Auvergne,
courtesy of the huge range in altitude, geology and land use. Take wetlands for
example: there are lakes and pools at altitude, in the lowlands, and at all levels
in between; rivers are fast-flowing in their upper reaches, and generally more tranquil in their lower reaches; substrates
range from calcareous to acidic. A very impressive dragonfly fauna is the result! All-in-all, this makes for a huge variety of species of plants and animals.
You can see them too! Join us...
|
We are active members of the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), the equivalent of the RSPB in Britain. We assist with bird and other surveys, and regularly donate money.
Our garden has been designated as a "REFUGE LPO". Unlike the RSPB, the LPO does not have the benefit of a million members
to halp it in its fight for birds, wildlife and wild places. In fact, it has just 37,000 members. Crimes
against birds are rife in France, the
hunting fraternity is strong and they are allowed to shoot a multitude of species that really should be protected. Illegal
shooting is also rife. The LPO needs your help! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, and details on how to join, click
on the links here. Thank you. |
LPO
LPO Auvergne
Click here to find out what HOLIDAY OPTIONS we have to offer you at MASSIF NATURE
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Our small business has no "middle man", no glossy brochure, and no guides
imported from outside the region! So we can offer you real value for money and the benefit of local knowledge.
.
LPO UK
LPO (France)
|
|
|
|
|
|
