Marine Wildlife & DiscoveryWeek - Moray Firth, Scotland

This is a brilliant opportunity to be a marine biologist for the week, based in the Moray Firth (recently voted by National Geographic as one of the best coasts in the world). Learn about marine life by spending time with the founder Deborah Benham (PhD – marine biology/animal behaviour) who has worked with the resident dolphins for the last six years.

Watch dolphins from land as they come in to feed on the salmon and sea trout migrating in and out of our wellknown rivers; stand on a cliff above thousands of nesting gannets as they perform their fascinating courtship and breeding behaviour; and see the coast and wildlife from a different view on two completely different but terrific boat trips.

Savour relaxing coastal walks, finding caves and rock-pools along the way; visit our local seals (up to 120) as they bask on the sands at pretty Findhorn Bay; forage for wild foods from the sea, start a cooking fire without matches and prepare a marine themed meal, and learn traditional skills using marine resources. Unwind on the beach or in the grounds of your accommodation creating your own unique art works using found natural objects such as shells, pebbles and drift wood. On some evenings Deborah will offer talks, slide shows, films and interactive activities to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the local marine environment and its inhabitants.

Our holidays are based in Newbold House, a beautiful Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Forres, complete with splendid conservatory, cosy lounge, walled organic vegetable garden and apple orchard. The gardens back onto woodland, with the local deer often making an appearance. The house is run by a small co-operative community whose mission is to "develop, practice and teach skills for sustainable living, in harmony with ourselves, each other and the earth". There are opportunities to take part in community activities e.g. gardening, cooking and meditation and you can also book a massage or other complementary therapy.

An alternative accommodation option (with a reduction of £50 per tent) is a huge 5m diameter canvas bell tent, situated in the apple orchard and comfortably furnished, including proper beds for indoor comfort, outdoors. We believe that good food is an important aspect of any holiday. Your holiday price includes breakfast, lunch and most evening meals. The ingredients used are organic and fresh, with much of the fruit and veg coming straight from the garden.