Top Places To Live For Wildlife Lovers

Barnes, Greater London  When the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race passes through Barnes it is the urban landmarks that catch the eye. But this prosperous Thames-side enclave, with its elegant terraces and trendy restaurants, is also home to the London Wetland Centre. Attractions range from water scorpions and frogs to American wood ducks and Asian short-clawed otters.  “Barnes village retains a distinctly rural ambience,” says Sandra Carline of Savills. “As well as the Wetland Centre, there are 120 acres of open terrain to be enjoyed on Barnes Common.” Skye, Inner Hebrides  Anyone with memories of Gavin Maxwell’s otter movie Ring of Bright Water will be sure to fall for the charms of Skye. It is still a haven for the popular species. The author lived in a converted lighthouse keeper’s cottage there until his death in 1968. A three-bedroom house in Portree, above, can be found for around £150,000.   Lee Valley, London  You can reach it on the Tube, but it doesn’t feel like part of the capital at all. The 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park was designed as the “green lung” of London and spans stretches of Hertfordshire and Essex, too. It is a splendidly varied space, encompassing everything from sporting facilities to nature reserves. Water birds of every description dive and frolic. For twitchers, the highlight is that elusive species, the bittern.  Brecon Beacons, Wales  Head north from the Brecon Beacons, one of Britain’s best-loved national parks, and you can hardly fail to see red kites circling overhead. This magnificent species was once close to extinction in Britain, but can be seen in mid-Wales at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader. The area is also good for sightings of the elusive lapwing. “The Beacons really are extraordinary,” says Anthony Clay of Knight Frank’s Hereford office. “Not much more than two hours from Paddington you can see buzzards competing for soaring space with paragliders.” North Devon/Lundy Island  Imagine being able to make regular day trips to Lundy, 12 miles off the coast of north Devon. This shimmering jewel in the Bristol Channel, accessible by boat from Bideford and Ilfracombe, has become a place of pilgrimage for wildlife enthusiasts. It is probably best known for its puffins, but also plays host to grey seal, sika deer, razorbills, guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and oystercatchers.  Nottingham  Nottingham conjures up images of verdant Sherwood Forest. It’s sadly reduced in size, but still a great place for a stroll, particularly in spring, when chaffinches flit between the birches. The Robin Hoods and Maid Marians of the 21st century can enjoy the Attenborough Nature Centre on the banks of the Trent. And they won’t need to rob the rich to pick out a home from a wide choice for under £100,000.   Richmond upon Thames  The red and fallow deer in Richmond Park have long been a magnet for animal lovers. More unexpected are the ring-necked parakeets. These are native to India, but have been a fixture in south-west London since the Fifties, when they reputedly escaped from the set of The African Queen at Pinewood Studios.  The Isles of Scilly  If you are a real birdwatching anorak, the sort who can identify a black redstart or a Greenland white-fronted goose from 200 metres, the Isles of Scilly are heavenly. They are visited by a bewildering number of migrant species each year. And the human comedy of the twitchers, racing to photograph the latest avian arrival, can be as entertaining as the birds themselves. The islands’ mild climate is another bonus. “I have just sold a property to a retired couple whose main interest was birdwatching,” says Tony Dingley of Islands Properties estate agents. “Comparatively few properties come on the market, but you can find pretty cottages for around £300,000.” 3 Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland  This fine town lies at the mouth of the river Tweed and is a magnet for sea trout and wild salmon. These migrate from Iceland and can be seen leaping upstream in autumn. Another nearby highlight is Bass Rock, home to a staggering 100,000 gannets. “Familiar sights along this stretch of coast include seals, puffins and Arctic tern,” says James Denne of Knight Frank’s Lauder office. “You never fail to be surprised by what you spot.” With average house prices of £170,000, the town also boasts direct rail links to London and Edinburgh for those shopping days.  The New Forest  Associated with wildlife since the days of William the Conqueror, when deer-hunting was all the rage, the New Forest covers areas of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. And, 1,000 years later, it still enchants nature lovers. The highlight is the fallow deer rut in the autumn, when the forest rings to the sound of bucks locking horns in their annual battle for supremacy. At other times of year, the famous New Forest ponies plod contentedly through the beeches.  “The New Forest is a wildlife dream, with a living and working ecosystem,” says Sacha Jackson of Knight Frank’s Winchester office. “The most sought-after properties are those with direct forest access, leading to a network of footpaths and bridle paths.” Inverness, Highlands  This is one of the most unspoilt regions of the British Isles, teeming with wildlife. When you are bored with keeping your binoculars trained on Loch Ness, hoping for a glimpse of Nessie, you can tramp the Highlands in search of red deer and badgers, below. Or you could head for the Moray Firth to watch dolphins feeding at the mouth of the River Spey. Downsizers might like to note that the average property price is £193,000.  Exmoor  The rolling moorland of Exmoor is particularly magnificent when the heather is in bloom. It is also home to several breeds of sheep, from Cheviots to Exmoor Horns. Wild ponies proliferate, as do red deer. Although you will not, alas, see the famous Emperor of Exmoor, a red stag which, until its death in 2010, was Britain’s largest known wild animal.   Atlantic coast, Cornwall  There are few more rugged shorelines in Britain than the steep cliffs of the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. In the headlands around Port Isaac you really do feel as if you are on the edge of the world. “Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines really set it apart,” says Jonathan Cunliffe of Savills Truro. “On a good day, you can see whales, seals and dolphins from the northern coast.”

Top Places To Live For Wildlife Lovers

Barnes, Greater London  When the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race passes through Barnes it is the urban landmarks that catch the eye. But this prosperous Thames-side enclave, with its elegant terraces and trendy restaurants, is also home to the London Wetland Centre. Attractions range from water scorpions and frogs to American wood ducks and Asian short-clawed otters.  “Barnes village retains a distinctly rural ambience,” says Sandra Carline of Savills. “As well as the Wetland Centre, there are 120 acres of open terrain to be enjoyed on Barnes Common.” Skye, Inner Hebrides  Anyone with memories of Gavin Maxwell’s otter movie Ring of Bright Water will be sure to fall for the charms of Skye. It is still a haven for the popular species. The author lived in a converted lighthouse keeper’s cottage there until his death in 1968. A three-bedroom house in Portree, above, can be found for around £150,000.   Lee Valley, London  You can reach it on the Tube, but it doesn’t feel like part of the capital at all. The 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park was designed as the “green lung” of London and spans stretches of Hertfordshire and Essex, too. It is a splendidly varied space, encompassing everything from sporting facilities to nature reserves. Water birds of every description dive and frolic. For twitchers, the highlight is that elusive species, the bittern.  Brecon Beacons, Wales  Head north from the Brecon Beacons, one of Britain’s best-loved national parks, and you can hardly fail to see red kites circling overhead. This magnificent species was once close to extinction in Britain, but can be seen in mid-Wales at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader. The area is also good for sightings of the elusive lapwing. “The Beacons really are extraordinary,” says Anthony Clay of Knight Frank’s Hereford office. “Not much more than two hours from Paddington you can see buzzards competing for soaring space with paragliders.” North Devon/Lundy Island  Imagine being able to make regular day trips to Lundy, 12 miles off the coast of north Devon. This shimmering jewel in the Bristol Channel, accessible by boat from Bideford and Ilfracombe, has become a place of pilgrimage for wildlife enthusiasts. It is probably best known for its puffins, but also plays host to grey seal, sika deer, razorbills, guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and oystercatchers.  Nottingham  Nottingham conjures up images of verdant Sherwood Forest. It’s sadly reduced in size, but still a great place for a stroll, particularly in spring, when chaffinches flit between the birches. The Robin Hoods and Maid Marians of the 21st century can enjoy the Attenborough Nature Centre on the banks of the Trent. And they won’t need to rob the rich to pick out a home from a wide choice for under £100,000.   Richmond upon Thames  The red and fallow deer in Richmond Park have long been a magnet for animal lovers. More unexpected are the ring-necked parakeets. These are native to India, but have been a fixture in south-west London since the Fifties, when they reputedly escaped from the set of The African Queen at Pinewood Studios.  The Isles of Scilly  If you are a real birdwatching anorak, the sort who can identify a black redstart or a Greenland white-fronted goose from 200 metres, the Isles of Scilly are heavenly. They are visited by a bewildering number of migrant species each year. And the human comedy of the twitchers, racing to photograph the latest avian arrival, can be as entertaining as the birds themselves. The islands’ mild climate is another bonus. “I have just sold a property to a retired couple whose main interest was birdwatching,” says Tony Dingley of Islands Properties estate agents. “Comparatively few properties come on the market, but you can find pretty cottages for around £300,000.” 3 Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland  This fine town lies at the mouth of the river Tweed and is a magnet for sea trout and wild salmon. These migrate from Iceland and can be seen leaping upstream in autumn. Another nearby highlight is Bass Rock, home to a staggering 100,000 gannets. “Familiar sights along this stretch of coast include seals, puffins and Arctic tern,” says James Denne of Knight Frank’s Lauder office. “You never fail to be surprised by what you spot.” With average house prices of £170,000, the town also boasts direct rail links to London and Edinburgh for those shopping days.  The New Forest  Associated with wildlife since the days of William the Conqueror, when deer-hunting was all the rage, the New Forest covers areas of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. And, 1,000 years later, it still enchants nature lovers. The highlight is the fallow deer rut in the autumn, when the forest rings to the sound of bucks locking horns in their annual battle for supremacy. At other times of year, the famous New Forest ponies plod contentedly through the beeches.  “The New Forest is a wildlife dream, with a living and working ecosystem,” says Sacha Jackson of Knight Frank’s Winchester office. “The most sought-after properties are those with direct forest access, leading to a network of footpaths and bridle paths.” Inverness, Highlands  This is one of the most unspoilt regions of the British Isles, teeming with wildlife. When you are bored with keeping your binoculars trained on Loch Ness, hoping for a glimpse of Nessie, you can tramp the Highlands in search of red deer and badgers, below. Or you could head for the Moray Firth to watch dolphins feeding at the mouth of the River Spey. Downsizers might like to note that the average property price is £193,000.  Exmoor  The rolling moorland of Exmoor is particularly magnificent when the heather is in bloom. It is also home to several breeds of sheep, from Cheviots to Exmoor Horns. Wild ponies proliferate, as do red deer. Although you will not, alas, see the famous Emperor of Exmoor, a red stag which, until its death in 2010, was Britain’s largest known wild animal.   Atlantic coast, Cornwall  There are few more rugged shorelines in Britain than the steep cliffs of the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. In the headlands around Port Isaac you really do feel as if you are on the edge of the world. “Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines really set it apart,” says Jonathan Cunliffe of Savills Truro. “On a good day, you can see whales, seals and dolphins from the northern coast.”

Top Places To Live For Wildlife Lovers

Barnes, Greater London  When the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race passes through Barnes it is the urban landmarks that catch the eye. But this prosperous Thames-side enclave, with its elegant terraces and trendy restaurants, is also home to the London Wetland Centre. Attractions range from water scorpions and frogs to American wood ducks and Asian short-clawed otters.  “Barnes village retains a distinctly rural ambience,” says Sandra Carline of Savills. “As well as the Wetland Centre, there are 120 acres of open terrain to be enjoyed on Barnes Common.” Skye, Inner Hebrides  Anyone with memories of Gavin Maxwell’s otter movie Ring of Bright Water will be sure to fall for the charms of Skye. It is still a haven for the popular species. The author lived in a converted lighthouse keeper’s cottage there until his death in 1968. A three-bedroom house in Portree, above, can be found for around £150,000.   Lee Valley, London  You can reach it on the Tube, but it doesn’t feel like part of the capital at all. The 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park was designed as the “green lung” of London and spans stretches of Hertfordshire and Essex, too. It is a splendidly varied space, encompassing everything from sporting facilities to nature reserves. Water birds of every description dive and frolic. For twitchers, the highlight is that elusive species, the bittern.  Brecon Beacons, Wales  Head north from the Brecon Beacons, one of Britain’s best-loved national parks, and you can hardly fail to see red kites circling overhead. This magnificent species was once close to extinction in Britain, but can be seen in mid-Wales at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader. The area is also good for sightings of the elusive lapwing. “The Beacons really are extraordinary,” says Anthony Clay of Knight Frank’s Hereford office. “Not much more than two hours from Paddington you can see buzzards competing for soaring space with paragliders.” North Devon/Lundy Island  Imagine being able to make regular day trips to Lundy, 12 miles off the coast of north Devon. This shimmering jewel in the Bristol Channel, accessible by boat from Bideford and Ilfracombe, has become a place of pilgrimage for wildlife enthusiasts. It is probably best known for its puffins, but also plays host to grey seal, sika deer, razorbills, guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and oystercatchers.  Nottingham  Nottingham conjures up images of verdant Sherwood Forest. It’s sadly reduced in size, but still a great place for a stroll, particularly in spring, when chaffinches flit between the birches. The Robin Hoods and Maid Marians of the 21st century can enjoy the Attenborough Nature Centre on the banks of the Trent. And they won’t need to rob the rich to pick out a home from a wide choice for under £100,000.   Richmond upon Thames  The red and fallow deer in Richmond Park have long been a magnet for animal lovers. More unexpected are the ring-necked parakeets. These are native to India, but have been a fixture in south-west London since the Fifties, when they reputedly escaped from the set of The African Queen at Pinewood Studios.  The Isles of Scilly  If you are a real birdwatching anorak, the sort who can identify a black redstart or a Greenland white-fronted goose from 200 metres, the Isles of Scilly are heavenly. They are visited by a bewildering number of migrant species each year. And the human comedy of the twitchers, racing to photograph the latest avian arrival, can be as entertaining as the birds themselves. The islands’ mild climate is another bonus. “I have just sold a property to a retired couple whose main interest was birdwatching,” says Tony Dingley of Islands Properties estate agents. “Comparatively few properties come on the market, but you can find pretty cottages for around £300,000.” 3 Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland  This fine town lies at the mouth of the river Tweed and is a magnet for sea trout and wild salmon. These migrate from Iceland and can be seen leaping upstream in autumn. Another nearby highlight is Bass Rock, home to a staggering 100,000 gannets. “Familiar sights along this stretch of coast include seals, puffins and Arctic tern,” says James Denne of Knight Frank’s Lauder office. “You never fail to be surprised by what you spot.” With average house prices of £170,000, the town also boasts direct rail links to London and Edinburgh for those shopping days.  The New Forest  Associated with wildlife since the days of William the Conqueror, when deer-hunting was all the rage, the New Forest covers areas of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. And, 1,000 years later, it still enchants nature lovers. The highlight is the fallow deer rut in the autumn, when the forest rings to the sound of bucks locking horns in their annual battle for supremacy. At other times of year, the famous New Forest ponies plod contentedly through the beeches.  “The New Forest is a wildlife dream, with a living and working ecosystem,” says Sacha Jackson of Knight Frank’s Winchester office. “The most sought-after properties are those with direct forest access, leading to a network of footpaths and bridle paths.” Inverness, Highlands  This is one of the most unspoilt regions of the British Isles, teeming with wildlife. When you are bored with keeping your binoculars trained on Loch Ness, hoping for a glimpse of Nessie, you can tramp the Highlands in search of red deer and badgers, below. Or you could head for the Moray Firth to watch dolphins feeding at the mouth of the River Spey. Downsizers might like to note that the average property price is £193,000.  Exmoor  The rolling moorland of Exmoor is particularly magnificent when the heather is in bloom. It is also home to several breeds of sheep, from Cheviots to Exmoor Horns. Wild ponies proliferate, as do red deer. Although you will not, alas, see the famous Emperor of Exmoor, a red stag which, until its death in 2010, was Britain’s largest known wild animal.   Atlantic coast, Cornwall  There are few more rugged shorelines in Britain than the steep cliffs of the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. In the headlands around Port Isaac you really do feel as if you are on the edge of the world. “Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines really set it apart,” says Jonathan Cunliffe of Savills Truro. “On a good day, you can see whales, seals and dolphins from the northern coast.”

world's biggest dog show

Meeoow, we like the cat suit... but isn't this a dog show? Classy canine arrives for first day of Crufts sporting a tiger print onesie Thousands of dogs and owners descended on the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham for the start of Crufts Competitors were pictured in onesies to protect them from the rain Around 27,000 dogs and 145,000 visitors expected to take part in the 'world's biggest dog show'   By David Wilkes PUBLISHED: 10:59 GMT, 7 March 2013 | UPDATED: 01:42 GMT, 8 March 2013 Honestly. You spend hours being bathed, blow-dried and brushed to perfection. Then it starts pouring with rain – and someone shoves a tiger print onesie over your head. Still, the indignity of their wet weather gear was worth it for these pedigree pooches. Because they were on their way to the first day of Crufts, where not a hair can be out of place. Canine fashion: A dog arrives for the first day of Crufts sporting a tiger print onesie Lassie never had to deal with this! Elegance takes second place in the downpour for many of the dogs as they make their way to the show Sack the stylist! This dog clearly isn't a massive fan of his footwear As well as the rather garish onesies, some pampered pets had specially designed canine wellies in which to pad – or rather paddle – their way to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The smaller breeds were wheeled in on trolleys with makeshift tarpaulins thrown over their boxes, but for Louis the Afghan hound, one of the biggest dogs, the solution was even more undignified. His owner, Dominico Traversi, simply hoisted him on to his shoulders and dashed through the 7am downpour, sparing his paws from trailing through puddles.   Once inside, it was off with the onesies and out with the combs as owners battled to get their pets’ coats back into immaculate condition before the frizz set in. The Kennel Club estimates 145,000 people will visit the four-day show, which features around 27,000 dogs. Weary dogs and their tired out owners were pictured taking a well earned break after an intensive day of grooming and competing at Crufts. Thousands of pampered pets descended on Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre today for the start of the annual show - with many donning the latest in canine wet-weather fashion to brave the rain. But after hours of intensive competition many of the dogs, and their human companions, were ready for a snooze. Forty winks: A Saint Bernard dog takes a well earned rest during the show, while a group of weary owners take time out for a chat Tired out: It all got too much for Caitlin, aged nine, who sleeps on her Irish wolfhound on the first day of Crufts dog show at the NEC in Birmingham Man's best friend: An owner sleeps next to his Beagle in one of the competitors stalls. Both owners and dogs have had a very long day, with many travelling large distances to reach the show Chilling out: Two beagles relax after being shown on the show's first day. The four-day event features over 25,000 dogs, with competitors travelling from 41 countries to take part Time for a dog nap: A pair of Afghan Hound wearing hoods are looking a little sleepy at the end of a hard day at Crufts Hard day's work: A competitor stays alert as dogs are being shown but a nearby owner looks as if he might need a rest All partied out: An owner takes a well-earned rest after a hard day's showing at the renowned dog show in Birmingham Where's my basket? A yawning foxhound looks ready to curl up and take a dog nap One owner was pictured slumbering next to his beagle in one of the competitors stalls, while a tired out Saint Bernard snoozed on the floor. A nine-year-old girl took a more comfortable option by taking a nap on top of her great Dane. Owners left nothing to chance as they arrived at today's show, employing a range of novel methods to ensure their immaculately-groomed animals arrived at the competition without a potentially devastating dip in a puddle. Dominico Traversri opted to hoist Afghan dog Louis onto his shoulders in a fireman's lift while another pet was wheeled into the event in a cage. A record 2,131 dogs from 41 overseas countries will travel to Birmingham for the annual show, including entrants from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, none of which have been represented at Crufts before. A total of 13 new breeds will be making their debut at the event, which has attracted more than 20,500 dogs to its breed-judging, gamekeepers' classes and obedience championships. Howl do you do: A plucky dachshund ignores the height difference to sniff a huge Irish Wolfhound as the pair pass each other during the show On parade: Long-haired dachshunds (left) and Irish Wolfhounds are judged during the first day of the Crufts dog show Little and large: A dachshund looks up at a pair of bloodhounds at the show. Dogs of all shapes and sizes were walked, carried and even wheeled into the National Exhibition Centre today Famous faces: Jodie Kidd (pictured with her pet jack russell Doobby, left and right) was one of a number of celebrities who attended the first day of Crufts 2013 Cuddles: Caroline Sheppard from Kings Lynn gets a friendly lick while cuddling Irish Wolfhounds Bliss and Whisper Closer look: Basset Hound Larry looks rather distinguished in this pair of specs after coming third in his class at Crufts You looking at me? A Cirneco dell'Etna hound peers into the camera with its ears pricked up. It's friend (in the background) looks a little less relaxed however  Contest: 90s pop star Chris Amoo of 'The Real Thing' with his Afghan hound. The beautifully groomed dog managed to grab third place in its class Paw thing: A foxhound introduces himself to a visitor at Crufts The show, which was first held using the 'Crufts' name in 1891, also includes contests to assess agility, heelwork and other disciplines. Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: 'The Kennel Club and Crufts committee wish to thank all of those taking part in Crufts 2013 for their support. 'The fact that dog owners continue to come in their thousands to celebrate their dogs on the world's most famous dog stage is testament to what a special place Crufts holds in the hearts of dog lovers throughout the world.' Among the main attractions at the 2013 show is the return of the Crufts Factor competition, the Friends for Life award, and Sunday's decision on the prestigious Best in Show title. Looking a little damp: This rather sad looking dog looks a bit wet and cold despite his coat as he waits to get into the dry and warmth of the NEC Style: These two elegant dogs look ready for the cat walk already as they stroll towards the show in figure hugging all over body suits Pampered: A man pulls his dog along in a covered container, while another owner shows off her well dressed pets (right) Determined: The weather may not be the best but thousands of visitors and dogs have been braving the rain to make it to this year's show Contest: Dogs of all sizes, shapes and colours have been filing in to the NEC today at the start of the four-day-long event  Mutual admiration? These two dogs took a good look at each other's outfits as they arrived for Crufts. Owners were anxious too keep the rain off their pet's well groomed coats Ms Kisko added: 'One of my favourite competitions is Friends for Life - each year we hear amazing stories of how dogs have helped people pull through illnesses, given those with disabilities a new lease of life or worked with search teams to rescue those in need.' This year's Friends for Life contenders include a Birmingham-based police dog which has been involved in more than 285 arrests and once sniffed out a £10,000 cache of stolen power tools. Crufts was named after its founder, Charles Cruft. The first dog show with the famous 'Crufts name — entitled 'Cruft's Greatest Dog Show'— was held at the Royal Agricultural Hall, in Islington, London in 1891.  Dog's life: Dominico Traversri arrives with his Afghan dog Louis on the first day of Crufts 2013 at the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham Three of a kind: These smart looking dachshunds look quite happy to brave the elements without any coats By the end of the 19th century, entries to the event had risen to over 3,000, including royal patronage from various European countries. Charles Crufts died in 1938. His widow ran the show for four years before selling it to The Kennel Club. The 1948 show was the first to be held under its new owner and was held at Olympia in London. Since 1991, the event has been held in the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham.  Crufts was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest dog show in 1991 with 22,973 dogs being exhibited. Since 2010 the show has been broadcast on the More 4 channel.