Flora and fauna in the high Pyrenees

The Pyrenees, the great barrier between France and Spain, rises to over 3,000m and stretches for 450km from the blustery Atlantic to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, offering diverse habitats for an equally diverse flora and fauna. Join Naturetrek on its 8-day French Pyrenees holiday, focusing on birdwatching and botanical walks amongst the spectacular Parc National des Pyrenees on the north-facing French slopes.

The north-facing slopes of the Parc National des Pyrenees, situated in the high central region and closer to the Atlantic than the Mediterranean, are wet, green and well forested. From Pau, transfer to a family-run hotel in the peaceful village of Gedre. Situated at just over 1,000m, and a short drive from the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie, this is an ideal base from which to explore the full spectrum of Pyrenean habitats during daily walking excursions.

The high forests, alpine meadows and spectacular waterfalls of the Cirque de Gavarnie are the initial focus for the holiday. Here, steep slopes, and surrounding high peaks and passes offer fine walking and the best of high Pyrenean birds and flowers. On the bleak and craggy Port de Gavarnie, perched high on the Spanish border above the canyons of the Ordessa National Park, look for Snowfinch and Alpine Accentor, along with Chamois grazing the upland meadows.

In the valleys, keep watch for Citril Finch, Black Redstart, Chough and Alpine Chough, overhead Golden Eagle, Lammergeier and Griffon Vulture sore, and high cliffs offer possibilities of finding the most elusive of all Pyrenean birds, the Wallcreeper. Next, the tranquil and airy Cirque de Troumouse is a haven for mammals including Marmot, Chamois and Fox, and an excellent hunting ground for birds of prey.

At lower altitudes, small pools, streams and boulder-strewn slopes present a different environment in which to hunt for alpine plants, whilst numerous species of butterfly proliferate in a pesticide-free environment of waterside meadows. Lower still, amongst ancient conifer forests, search for the elusive Black Woodpecker, along with Firecrest and Bonelli’s Warbler – and in the skies above, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagle, Buzzard, Goshawk and Peregrine may all be spotted.

The tour costs £995 p/p including flights, transfers, comfortable hotel accommodation with private facilities, all meals and expert natural history guiding. Departing London 6th September 08.

For more information, visit Naturetrek.co.uk.