A Purbeck Safari Tour
A fun way to discover Purbeck’s rich geology and wildlife
The Love It Local team took the opportunity to escape the office on a bright, sunny morning and take a trip with Purbeck Safari.
Purbeck Safari are a small family business, run by husband and wife team Fran and Jane Routledge. They have lived in Purbeck for over 35 years and their aim is to enable others to experience the beauty, magic and wildlife of this amazing area in a really memorable way.
Offering 4×4 off-road tours of Purbeck in a Land Rover Defender, they have permission to access private track-ways and old byways throughout the area, making their trips unique. The tours are also a fantastic opportunity for anyone with mobility issues to visit and enjoy hard to reach areas of Purbeck.
They offer a number of different trips exploring Purbeck’s National Nature Reserve, the high Purbeck Hills, the lowland heaths by Poole Harbour and of course the iconic Jurassic Coast.
Fran, a geologist and wild bird enthusiast, is a mine of information (excuse the pun!) about the Purbeck area. In between hopping out to shut the farmer’s gates, he will keep you entertained and informed with nuggets of information on geology, history and the rich wildlife and fauna of Purbeck. He clearly loves his local area and his enthusiasm is engaging.
The trip would certainly be suitable for all the family as the Rover can comfortably seat up to six people per trip. Fran says the kids normally have great fun, sitting on the back seats. The Rover is also a comfortable ride – despite spending part of the trip off-roading.
Purbeck wildlife!
Purbeck is rich in wildlife and there is a good chance you will see some wild animals on your trip so remember to bring your binoculars and cameras (Purbeck do have loan pairs available if needed).
Fran is great at identifying local bird and says he has spotted rare birds such as the Osprey, Merlin and Peregrine on his trip. On the shores of Poole harbour you will may also have the opportunity to see a the spectacular array of wetland birds such as Spoonbill and Avocet. You are also likely to spot the local Sika deer or perhaps a hare or rabbit. Not forgetting all the beautiful wild-flowers and butterflies that Fran is also very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about.
On one trip recently Fran told us he spotted a rare Reeves Pheasant, a very large bird which can reach up to 200 cm in length!
Purbeck Safari offer a good variety of tours with prices ranging from £35-£65.00 per person.
Some tours also include tea, coffee and home-made cakes or a trip to
The Purbeck Cider Company.
To book call Fran or Jane on 07858 956 181.
Article first published in Love It Local Magazine June 2023.
