Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire Partners Swarovski for Special Bird Walks

In the 18th century, birdwatching was a recreational activity enjoyed mainly by aristocrats. More recently however, birding has become a popular form of ecotourism and a hobby enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire has joined forces with world renowned optik creators Swarovski, to ensure guests get to fully enjoy the beautiful 500 acre (200 hectare) estate that has attracted the growing attention of professional and amateur birdwatchers alike.

Swarovski celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, and first started producing binoculars in 1949.

Specifically selected for birdwatching, guests will be issued with a set of Swarovski CL Companion binoculars before being guided by ornithologists Keith Betton or John Clark through the estate.

The walks begin at the hotel’s historic Manor House, dating back to 1728, and take a total of 1-1.5 hours.

Living in Hampshire all his life, John has published a number of renowned bird titles, including Birds of the Hants/Surrey Border and the Hampshire Bird Report, before becoming a County Bird Recorder, an office he held until 2009. He is currently working on a new edition of Birds of Hampshire and has now seen almost 8,500 species around the world.

Equally passionate, Keith is a keen world birder, having seen more than 8,000 species in more than 100 countries. He has been a Council Member of both the RSPB and the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) and is currently Vice President of the latter.

The new bird walks add to the hotel’s already wide variety of activities on offer to guests including fishing, croquet, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, cycling and an Highwire Adventure. Top-notch golf is a stone’s throw away while guests can also explore the Basingstoke Canal bordering the estate grounds on the hotel’s barge. The estate’s original 18th century stable block is home to a luxurious spa, a 20-metre (65 foot) indoor conservatory swimming pool, an outdoor vitality pool and the hotel’s new family adventure pool, Sharkie’s Reef.

Prices for the bird walks start from GBP 150 for groups up to four people. Advance booking is required.

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