Testimonials

The following client comments are taken from direct or indirect feedback for some of the natural history trips and wildlife holidays we have run in the past. The anonymous entries derive from feedback forms returned to the various companies that we organise and lead wildlife tours for, while the comments attributed to a named source originate from direct correspondence with our guides.

Once again just to say how impressed we were with your organisation, driving and catering skills. We wanted for nothing more. All in all it was a very enjoyable holiday, just right for us.  John S. & Betty A.

Butterflies & Moths of the S Valleys of the Picos   July 2012   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Thanks again for a wonderful four days in the Picos, for sharing your knowledge (and binoculars!). What a joy to find an all round natural history enthusiast!. We have good memories of the Picos flower meadows, vultures etc.; the mind's eye is a wonderful thing…   Martin & Susanne R.

Picos de Europa   May 2012   Teresa (Collett's Mountain Holidays)

What a great two weeks we had, thank you both so much. La Gomera was my favourite place, with the lichens and ferns to please us.   Ginny C.

Voyage of Discovery: Canary Islands   Feb 2012 Teresa & John (Island Holidays)

I would like to thank you both very much for the excellent trip to the Canary Islands. I learnt a lot and can now sort out euphorbias and echiums more or less. Without John's help I would have missed much of the fauna such as stilts, tree frogs and pilot whales. I am full of admiration for your driving skills in face of aggressive bus drivers and on mountain roads. Your lunches were much appreciated. Thank you too for allowing me to join you as a single person and for all the extra effort over gluten-free meals, not to mention the extra airport journey.   Margaret M.

Voyage of Discovery: Canary Islands   Feb 2012 Teresa & John (Island Holidays)

Thank you very much for organising such an enjoyable and interesting trip to Almeria. I enjoyed it all very much - the wildlife, much of which was new to me, seeing so much of the area in the week, the early morning activities, the lovely lunches, the friendly good hotel, the very congenial company and the perfect weather. It all ran so smoothly - you had obviously put a lot of thought and time into the preparations. As my first experience of a wildlife holiday it was great.   I Morgan.

Wildlife of Almeria   April 2011   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Just to say that I enjoyed the week's glimpse of Almeria's wildlife, and it was really interesting to see how species evolve to cope with the harsher environment of parts of the region.I also enjoyed seeing nine species of bird that I'd not seen before and now being confident I can identify one or two more.   Penny C.

Wildlife of Almeria   April 2011   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

I would like to say how much I enjoyed your company and that of James and the other participants on the trip. The hotel, the food and of course the excellent weather all came together to make a perfect holiday and the whole week was made infinitely more enjoyable by one of the most pleasant and agreeable sets of people one could ever wish to travel with. As for the organisation and the detailed thought and planning which you in particular put in place I have to say that it couldn't have been bettered and James's participation made the whole event so much more delightful. Thank you again Teresa and I look forward to meeting up with you again and who knows, maybe travelling with you somewhere in Iberia in the not too distant future.   Peter R.

Wildlife of Almeria   April 2011   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

I had a spectacular week in the beautiful landscapes of Cantabria - including the lush Picos mountains - and saw over three hundred species of butterflies and moths, including many that I have never seen before such as Gavarnie Blue, Blue-spot Hairstreak and the sensational Hornet Clearwing. The tour was brilliantly organized and Teresa is a fantastic guide, with expert knowledge of the region's flora and fauna.   Matthew G.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa   July 2010   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

With great clarity Mike explained and demonstrated the distinguishing features of the dragonflies and butterflies // Chosen because birds were NOT the main focus. I thought it was a very good all round natural history tour - with plenty of time for photographers. // Mike had an excellent breadth of knowledge. // Mike's style - relaxed, knowledgeable, helpful.   Various Anon

Cévennes   June 2010   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

The bird-watching and identification by Mike - excellent.   M. J. Box

Ebro Delta   June 2010   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

I wanted to thank you personally for a happy holiday. Although I'm not that interested in plants I did enjoy wandering through the meadows and learning about their history. The butterflies were good too, and I always enjoy seeing big birds overhead. The hotel was very pleasant and the food was interesting; I also appreciated the care you took over giving us a different lunch each day. It was very generous of you to invite us into your home.   Mary W.

Spain: Picos de Europa   May 2010   Teresa (Island Holidays Plus)

Just a note to say thank you for an excellent holiday with you and Jeff. Everything was just splendid, the group all got on so well, your picnics were amazing, accommodation great, etc., etc. I learnt such a lot and the photos I took, all 670 of them, were great: a good reminder of a superb trip.   Jacqui F.

Picos de Europa   May 2010   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours / Jeff Clarke Ecology

Carol and I wish to thank you very much and say blinking well done in organising and giving us a splendid week in another fabulous area of Spain. We appreciated all the effort put in on the recce, your choice of accommodation, which was comfortable, characterful, with great food. Most of all your good company and expert knowledge. We were lucky to witness the extraordinary migration caused by the weather pattern. The Delta was not at all what we were expecting.. ..but all the birds were so, so close up and filled the view through binoculars. It was a brilliant week. Just printed your report for our holiday file, and realised I hadn't thanked you for it. Please don't apologise for a 13 page report being "thin". It's a superb summary of a splendid trip.   John & Carol R.

N Valencia & Ebro Delta + area   May 2010   John (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

We met up with Pam and John today and we spent quite a bit of time reminiscing about Spain. We really did enjoy every minute of it. // Thanks for organising a wonderful holiday. We all had a great time in Spain.   Angela & Trevor P. // Pam & John C.

Strait of Gibraltar, Doñana, Extremadura & Gredos   April 2010   John (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

John Muddeman is a hugely enthusiastic and knowledgeable leader, probably the best in my limited experience. I would gladly participate in any tour of which he were leader.   John S.

E Austria   Aug-Sep 2009   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Thank you so much for a lovely, enjoyable and informative week in the Catalan Pyrenees. It was wonderful and a real pleasure to be in your company.   Dudley & Jean C.

Wildlife of the Catalan Pyrenees   June 2009   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

John was brilliant as usual! // Very impressed with John's field skills and dedication to providing participants with a good holiday.   Jeff B. // Anon

Switzerland   June 2009   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Mike Lockwood was excellent, with all the skills needed to make a tour of this nature the success it was.   Anon

Cévennes   June 2009   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

Thanks for organising the holiday trek. I enjoyed it very much, in every way. I learned a lot but also realised anew how much more there is to know.   John C.

A Feast of Flowers in the Picos de Europa   June 2009   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

The most profound and copious thanks to you for such a wonderful holiday, for the huge success of which, I know you worked very, very hard, as always.   Paul B.

Páramos of Northern Castile   May 2009   Teresa (Botanical Society of the British Isles)

Most enjoyable. Both leaders friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, amazing masters of organisation & worked well together.   Anon

E Austria   May 2009   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Teresa did a superb job. Her skills as an all-round naturalist are of the highest order - whether it be a hybrid orchid, a fleeting butterfly, a brightly coloured lizard, or even a snail, she was always able to make some kind of identification which she often spent time later checking out. Instant identifications are always suspect but Teresa's were always duly considered and also, on occasions, drew on the knowledge of her participants. A very special mention must be made of Teresa's picnic lunches - these were outstanding. At the start of the week she checked on personal likes and dislikes and made sure that we all got the foods we enjoyed. Teresa's picnics are about as far removed from the traditional "packed lunch" as it is possible to be.   Brian & Gill F.

Western Portugal   March 2009   Teresa (Island Holidays Plus)

After an amazing trip to Extremadura we chose this trip against that of any competitor specifically because John Muddeman was leading. He is outstanding in every respect. We would certainly travel with him again if that were possible. // John Muddeman has outstanding all-round knowledge and field skills. He was also pleasant... // John is an excellent leader and all-round naturalist.   Angela & Trevor P. // Various Anon

Trinidad & Tobago   Jan-Feb 2009   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Thank you for a splendid trip and for looking after us so well - and especially for finding all those lifers for me! I so much enjoyed your special brand of humour.   Sylvia S.

Churchill, Canada   October 2008   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

We just wanted to say thank you for a great week. I felt I had learned a lot by the end of it (being the one with the most to learn!) and we had a really excellent time. You live in a fabulous part of the world. Thanks for all the picnics and gin and tonic! Highly memorable!   Marion P.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa   July 2008   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Thanks again, from both of us, for another splendid trip. You put a huge amount of effort into it, as always, and I know how much we all appreciated this.   John & Dorothy E.

Valle de Benasque (Aragonese Pyrenees)   June-July 2008   Teresa (Botanical Society of the British Isles)

A super trip with enough of everything to keep everyone interested and happy ... We found Mike's friendly and good-humoured leadership, combined with his command of the language, knowledge of the area and interest in just about everything, very inspiring. A very knowledgeable and competent guide. // Mike, as before, was an excellent guide. Very informative, good fun and a pleasure to be with. ... A great holiday and very much recommended to anyone with a general interest in wildlife. // A great all-round knowledgeable leader, great with humans too.   Various Anon

Vall d'Aran   June-July 2008   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

Could not be bettered. Choice of each day spot on, full on interest with a huge diversity of wildlife. For the second time the leadership could not be bettered. Intensely committed that we should see as much as possible. Extremely patient ... and fast at identifying birds and butterflies on the wing. Huge botanical and geographical knowledge. Took care of us all.   Cynthia M.

Cévennes   June 2008   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

I just wish to add my appreciation of all you did to make our holiday so good. You opened my eyes to so many things in the field - and the sky - there is a great deal to learn! Thank you.   Carole H.

Spain: Picos de Europa   May 2008   Teresa (Island Holidays Plus)

We really enjoyed the trip. John has excellent hearing and spotting skills. He was very good at helping you to find the bird/insect when you couldn't spot it yourself. Seeing the results of the evening moth trap almost made the trip!   Various Anon

Andalucía & Extremadura   April-May 2008   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Pretty perfect!   Anon

Menorca   Apr 2008   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

May we thank you for your part in a truly inspiring trip, for your sharp eyes, for your knowledge -so freely shared-, and your involvement in an excellent report. Not to mention all that driving!   Colin & Hilary B.

Extremadura   April 2008   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Extremely enjoyable, excellent birds, wonderful landscapes, expert and very pleasant leaders.   Michael R.

Northern Spain   Nov 2007   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

Brilliant leader! // Excellent organisation, good hotel & grateful thanks to John for his hard work and enthusiasm, especially for the bearded tits, golden oriole and bittern.   Various Anon

E Austria   Aug-Sep 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

What a great trip. We really enjoyed it, and you worked so hard to help us, and provide so many wildlife delights as well as the fantastic picnics. What a week, such butterflies are an absolute delight. It was great all round. // I want to thank you for such a wonderful holiday in the Picos. I enjoyed every minute in that beautiful place and your organisation was superb.   Julia B. // Mavis G.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa   June-July 2007   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

This trip far exceeded our expectations because of John's breadth of knowledge - butterflies, birds and flowers, we were almost overwhelmed with pleasure // This was my first holiday abroad and it was delightful // a wonderful experience - thank you all very much!    Patience T. // Various Anon

Switzerland   June 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

What a team! Very knowledgeable, caring, endlessly patient and attentive to detail. We couldn't have been in better hands. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I learned a lot. A well-planned week with flexibility to alter plans according to circumstances. // For the whole group the walking was "just right" which was very good leader management.   Various Anon

Eastern Pyrenees   June 2007   Mike (The Travelling Naturalist)

It was a delight to have John and Dave as leaders again - they bring so much expertise and fun to the holiday // The knowledge and observation from John and Dave was outstanding, as was the humour! // The holiday was an excellent experience. I cannot praise the skill and knowledge of the leaders too much. I will recommend your firm at every opportunity.   Babelle D. // Peter W. // Anon

Spanish Pyrenees   June 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Teresa's enthusiasm for her subject was infectious! We were very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated leader.   Anon

Picos de Europa   June 2007   Teresa (The Travelling Naturalist)

Teresa was excellent, and her 'extra treats' (at lunch and in her home) were much appreciated. // Enjoyed the holiday very much, although the weather was unkind at times. Teresa did us proud in having to rearrange our itinerary each day. The flower meadows were wonderful. // Thank you very much for looking after us and working so hard to make our holiday interesting, but especially for all the extras - moth traps, super food, pre-dinner drinks and cups of tea, and welcoming us into your home. // Just a quick note to say thanks once again for a wonderful holiday. We hope to go back to the Picos sometime in the future to check the butterflies out and sample some of the sunshine.   Ian & Elspeth W. // Joyce M. // Ian & Monica McL. // Jane & Roy L.

Spain: Picos de Europa   May 2007   Teresa (Island Holidays Plus)

Thanks once again for such a good trip. Really appreciated all your efforts with all of us, even the least knowledgeable. // We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful excursion you organised and just wanted to thank you again for the huge effort we know you put in to it all to make it so successful. Grazalema was a perfect centre for us and the surrounding area just superb. My mind is so full of new species and those wonderfully rich assemblages we saw everywhere. Our very warmest thanks to you. // Thank you so much for the wonderful time you gave us in the Grazalema natural park. Grazalema itself was such a charming mountain town, and the surroundings were both spectacular and accessible. We were very excited to be introduced to so many choice plants. I very much hope we can join one of your splendid tours again. // Very many thanks for a wonderful week in a beautiful area. I was very glad to be with you and the keen members of the BSBI, and I only hope I shall be able to remember all the new plants I saw. Thank you again for all your hard work in looking after us so well.   Caroline B. // Jane & Maurice C. // Joy and James C. // Mary-Clare S.

Sierra de Grazalema   April 2007   Teresa (Botanical Society of the British Isles)

John and Ray were both charming and excellent leaders, keen that we saw as much as possible. John especially is a mine of information & knowledge of the area. Both are careful considerate drivers and excellent birders // John's expert regional knowledge is a real asset to the trip. Flexibility for the weather was essential - tour leader decisions seemed to be absolutely right given the difficult conditions // Thanks John and Ray for a lovely trip - I enjoyed every minute and learned a lot // At times I had trouble keeping up with John's enthusiasm - a good fault!    Various Anon

Extremadura   March-April 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Within 10 minutes it felt like we had known each other for years. 4 great friends on a fantastic holiday. John's birding skills - well what can you say! It was just brilliant!   Angela & Trevor P.

Extremadura   March 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Many thanks for a fantastic holiday! We look forward to meeting up again. // John's consideration of other people and his knowledge and quick spotting of birds made the trip extra special // Very good wildlife skills from both, with John Muddeman providing the additional interpersonal skills of the highest quality.   Ken & Angela B. // Various Anon

Trinidad & Tobago   January 2007   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Excellent week with considerate leaders, wonderful birds & good company // Both leaders were of the usual high standards of Travelling Naturalists and they did all they could to make our tour enjoyable // Many thanks to John & Ray for such a superb trip. John's knowledge, enthusiasm and sociability is second to none.   Various Anon

Northern Spain   Nov-Dec 2006   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Just a quick personal note to thank you for your leadership of lake Neusiedl in Autumn, from which I have just returned. Your keen-eyed spotting and excellent i.d. skills made it a holiday to remember. I saw several 'lifers' including many waders and raptors, great bustard, golden oriole, bee-eater, turtle dove, raven and siskin. Also many new butterflies inc large copper, great banded grayling, swallowtail and short-tailed blue. I have written separately to Limosa to say how happy I was with the holiday and hope I can travel with you again in the future.   David G.

E Austria   August 2006   John (Limosa)

Hilarious, I have never laughed so much on a holiday. Both the leaders were most professional but also very kind and FUN to be with. I don't know why they put up with me! // Thanks to both leaders for their knowledge of wildlife, giving us the chance to look through 'scopes and their general care and consideration. Once again, an excellent Travelling Naturalist holiday // It was fun to be with both John & David and their skills were awesome; they made sure we all saw the birds through their 'scopes. I was impressed by the way John fitted the itinerary to the daily weather conditions, especially waiting patiently for a fine day before going to the Schneeberg // With John Muddeman one can't go wrong.   Veronica M. // Various Anon

E Austria   Aug-Sep 2006   John (Limosa)

We all had a truly memorable week with you in the Picos, which was in many respects due to your efforts. Not only did you take us to many beautiful places in search of more and more butterflies, but you looked after our every need perfectly, from when you first met us at the airport, until you dropped us off there a week later. Thank you so much. We will recommend you to all of our friends who we think would find your butterfly trips to their liking and hopefully you will meet some.   Barrie, Anita & Elliot S.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa: Children's Special   August 2006   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Just a short note to thank you for the enjoyable holiday. We arrived as almost complete novices and certainly learned a lot during the week - although clearly we have a long way to go before butterfly identifications can be confidently achieved!   Maris & Mel M.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa   July 2006   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

I greatly appreciated the outstanding leadership throughout the trip. I would gladly travel with both John and Robin again.   Anon

Spanish Pyrenees   June 2006   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Thank you again for a great holiday in June. We saw an excellent variety of butterflies, birds and orchids and our stay was peaceful and pleasant; you looked after us extremely well.   Mike & Irene S.

A Feast of Flowers in the Picos de Europa   June 2006   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Teresa's all-round expertise made this an outstanding trip for plants, moths, butterflies, insects and birds. // I thoroughly enjoyed my recent holiday with you and was amazed how much I learnt. Thank you very much for all that you did for us.   David & Margaret G. // Wendy W.

Picos de Europa   June 2006   Teresa (The Travelling Naturalist)

A demanding job, well done by both // Both leaders were brilliant! // Support for me with my dodgy legs could not have been more generous, and was much appreciated   Various Anon

Extremadura   April 2006   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

I could not imagine better leaders. They were patient and utterly charming // Superb manners - very tolerant with the unknowledgeable - made the whole trip exciting and fun // Brilliant! // Excellent++ // Superb! // Couldn't fault either of our guides in tact, attitude and knowledge of natural history // Both leaders were friendly and of course with excellent birding skills. We were taken to picturesque sites and at the right time to experience excellent birding moments. E.g. Montagu's harriers over our heads, nightingale at fountain, bee-eaters flocking and more. Very helpful with flower identification (and snakes!)   Various Anon

Menorca   April 2006   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Thank you both for an excellent natural history week, well organised without being intensive, and we saw a lot of plants, birds and insects - and we ate well too! // We've had a truly wonderful week with you and John! It was a great privilege to be in the company of so many excellent naturalists and to have the chance to see so many of Portugal's specialities. // I wanted to write to thank you for a great week. Your food is fantastic and I don't know how you manage your two hats of organiser/caterer and guide. Thanks very much for everything, and for taking us to such lovely and botanically rich places and for all you did to make it an interesting and challenging trip.   Malcolm E. // Maurice & Jane C. // Sarah S.

Western Portugal   March 2006   Teresa & John (Botanical Society of the British Isles)

John's leadership was very good. His sense of humour and decision making were first class. He contributed greatly to the tour's success // Both leaders great and easy to communicate with - & fun!   Various Anon

Galápagos & Ecuador   Oct-Nov 2005   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Having just returned from the holiday, my first with The Travelling Naturalist, I felt I must write to thank you for a really fantastic week. Leader, John Muddeman was a superb guide and, in spite of suffering a very heavy summer cold, was unstinting in taking his little group to every place possible to find a wealth of bird species. His lively personality, obvious joy in birds and all aspects of wildlife has left me with a desire to join him on another trip as soon as finances permit. My thanks to all concerned in making this such a wonderful experience.   Judith C.

Extremadura   Sep-Oct 2005   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Many thanks for a great week's birding in southern Spain. Please pass on my thanks to John and Stephen for their able assistance. I managed 158 species seen, plus 1 heard, having dropped just 7 over the week, as well as a host of butterflies and moths. I was so impressed with the trip, I used it as an example of good customer experience, at our company's recent leadership seminar. Many thanks!   Stephen G.

Andalucía   September 2005   John (Limosa)

We had a wonderful time - butterflies, moths, scenery and sunshine, as well as a welcoming comfortable hotel and good company. // Thank you for the very enjoyable holiday we recently spent with you. We very much appreciate the effort you made to make the holiday varied and interesting. We were very lucky with the weather and the butterflies and moths performed well. The Picos is a beautiful area.   Tony B. // Mike & Irene S.

Butterflies & Moths of the Picos de Europa   July 2005   Teresa (Iberian Wildlife Tours)

Thank you so much for a marvellous vacation. What a perfect way to celebrate our 35th anniversary. You have shown us some great birds - and also butterflies, dragonflies and glorious flowers. We look forward to going with you on a Limosa trip to Spain some time.    Nadine & Bob T.

Switzerland   June 2005   John (Limosa)

John excellent. An excellent tour that balanced birding, botany and butterflies. Taught me loads. Although first guided holiday for me, my second best holiday ever - first was trip to Galápagos // Amazon - a real highlight!   Anon

Spanish Pyrenees   June 2005   John (The Travelling Naturalist / Limosa)

Thank you very much for such a wonderful trip to that great Segre valley. I found the range of plants, butterflies and birds inspiring. You arranged a fascinating range of habitats for us to visit and we had some beautiful walks. You brought us to a grand finale on the last day with the mountain top and those memorable meadows at Meranges. It was also stimulating for me to be with such a good lot of naturalists. Thank you for all the effort you put in and for leading us so well. // Many, many thanks for a superb week's botanising. You organised everything so well, and I still can't get over the picnic lunches and all those wonderful snacks.   Kenneth C. // Rita H.

Catalan Pyrenees   June 2005   Teresa (Botanical Society of the British Isles)

John - perfect leader - just the right manner, very good all-round naturalist, very sharp eye and good humour // John was, as always, excellent both for his birding knowledge and his organisation // John was excellent all round with his superb knowledge of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Very pleasant - he looked after us all very well.   Various Anon

Hungary   May 2005   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

John's knowledge astounded me - his ability to recognise birds from a distance, pin-point calls, and his local knowledge over a big area were amazing. I was very much a 'rookie', but at no time felt pressured by my ignorance // John is a splendid guide, and at least from my point of view, really did us proud. He has a very friendly approach and is an excellent and very observant leader - would definitely go on a trip of his leadership again // John's expertise was outstanding and I learned a lot. The inspirational effects lasting well beyond the trip were worth the cost of the holiday alone!   Various Anon

Andalucía & Extremadura   April 2005   John (The Travelling Naturalist)

Thank you once again for making our first guided birdwatch such an enjoyable experience. Your ability to share your amazing knowledge with such enthusiasm was greatly appreciated. We learned a great deal and had so much fun, as a result of which we shall be booking another trip next year.   Julia C. & Kate S.

Andalucía & Extremadura   April 2004   John (The Travelling Naturalist)