If you go down to the woods today

Throughout June, Action Medical Research are encouraging the UK to ‘Bring Your Bear To Work Day’ to celebrate charity mascot Paddington Bear’s 50th anniversary and support its Touching Tiny Lives campaign, helping sick and vulnerable babies. This summer, why not pack up your family – Teddies-and-all, and ‘find a real bear’ in the Swedish wilderness.

Join Naturetrek on its 4-day holiday exploring Sweden’s forests and lakes in search of real Brown Bears from a cosy, purpose-built hide, departing London 6th August 08.

This easy, relatively stress-free holiday explores a tranquil and beautiful spot in central Sweden where guests watch for Brown Bears from what is, perhaps, the most comfortable Bear Hide in the world! From Västerås, near Stockholm, head north to a simple wilderness lakeside lodge situated amongst rolling, forested hills. The silence and stillness broken only by the eerie calls of the breeding Black-throated Divers that echo across the lake and the occasional croak of a passing Raven.

Spend time exploring nearby tracks in search of birds, butterflies and botany – or row, canoe, fish and swim in the lake’s clear waters, then take a sauna before enjoying a delicious home cooked dinner. Next day, in the company of expert guide, Håkan Vargas, families walk through the forest for an hour or two, to the Bear Hide, keeping as quiet as possible, learning about the bears and their habits, looking out for footprints, scratches on trees, or raided anthills! The hide is cosy, with comfortable seats and viewing slots at the front, beds for those not prepared (or able!) to sit up all night, and a separate toilet.

After settling in for the night, your ever-attentive host serves a three-course ‘hide-dinner’ washed down with wine and a liqueur – whilst keeping watch for the appearance of a bear! Although Brown Bears are the primary focus, a sighting is not guaranteed. However, the magic of this place is not just in its wild bears, but in the beauty and tranquillity of the scenery, the rich natural history along with the charm and hospitality of its hosts.

The tour costs £595 p/p adults (discounts for children under 12yrs) including flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals and expert wildlife guiding.

For more information, visit Naturetrek.co.uk.