I took a friend to the wolf conservation last Saturday, 10th January 2015. She has wanted to meet wolves for many, many tears and she was really, really excited to go. Coffee and tea with biscuits were free when we arrived and we were able to ask questions from the very knowledgeable staff and volunteers.We were introduced to the three European wolves at the beginning of the walk and they were allowed to get to know our scent. My friend was thrilled when Nuka licked her hand! The wolves essentially take the humans for a walk and there are a few stops along the way for photos. We were out for two and a half hours and on the day that we went, there were as many volunteers to answer questions as there were paying customers on the walk. The wolves were on long leads with two handlers each. When we returned the wolves we had been with were put back in their very large pens.We then moved onto the feeding of the other wolves. As a photographer and essentially there to take some great shots and meet the wolves I was disappointed with the wolf feeding. The wolves were behind a wire mesh fence and just over a metre away from that fence there was another, much lower fence that the paying customers had to stand behind. The handlers were answering questions from the space between the two fences. That was a little disappointing as it is impossible to get shots that are even adequate unless the camera lens is right next to the mesh of the fence. Totally impossible with a mobile phone and that was what most of the people were using. Yes. The UKWCT offer photo days but they are very sporadic when compared to the number of walks on offer.A bit of advice for anybody wanting to get great shots of the wolves. Don't rely on a mobile for your photography.When we returned there was once again free coffee and tea and we were able to browse around the reasonably priced shop. My companion had a fabulous time. I thoroughly enjoyed it and we may go again. Dorothy wants to go and work there!Good value for money. If you become a walking member of the trust for a year (£125) you can take somebody with you on your first walk for free. Subsequent walks throughout the year are much cheaper.
Really enjoyed a super day at the wolf trust yesterday. Although the weather was wet , it didn't dampen our experience at all. The wolves are truly majestical. We learnt so much from the friendly, knowledgeable staff, who all go out of their way to make the experience so amazing. We came home with some super photos, which can be taken from special photographic areas. Fortunately, the rain stopped and we were able to eat our picnic outside, buying a hot drink from the shop. Which sells some really good books, clothing and other quality items, most at pocket money prices too! All in all, a good way to spend four or five hours, hope to return again soon. Thanks to all involved at this special conservation trust.
We went today, as part of the open days "Visit Wednesday" and had an amazing time! This is not a large corporate establishment but a fairly informal place run by some extremely dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers. Free coffee and biscuits is available in the reception area, and there is a small and reasonably priced gift shop too. No other refreshments are available, but you can get 10% discount at the local pub with a voucher from the free program. As we arrived, the two of us were assigned a volunteer to give us a guided tour of the wolves, and he - as well as all the other staff members we spoke to - really made our visit extremely enjoyable. By the time we left, we felt we were very much part of the wolf "family", and felt we knew each wolf personally. We never felt rushed, the explanations were all very interesting and informative and I would give the staff a 6 out of 5 rating if I could! Don't miss this place if you care about animal conservation or just a damn good day out! We'll certainly be back - once I finish editing the 1300 photos I took today!
The wolves are truly beautiful, and come up close. The staff were very committed, and know their stuff ! There are picnic areas or you can just sit and observe the wolves.I would recommend a visit, there are a few more animals there too, but we just went to see the wolves really.
My wife and I heard about this place years ago through her studying. We finally got around to visiting and it met with our expectations. We booked in for a howl night and a walk with the wolves the following day. Although the weather was extremely cold wet and windy we really enjoyed ourselves and spending time in the company of such beautiful creatures. We really felt we had our money's worth and learnt plenty of interesting things. As with all things there is room for improvement such as pathways around the enclosures but I am sure this will happen in time. The staff are all friendly, helpful and knowledgable well done, we will be back soon and will spread the word!
Fabulous day watching the wolves today really up close and personal esp feeding time. The volunteers and staff are really friendly and knowledgeable and share lots of stories too. Shall be going again and again :)
We called in on our way to Newbury, not knowing what to expect. We spent a super couple of hours there. Learnt a lot about wolves - having known nothing. They are lovely creatures, v intelligent and great to see. If you are in the area, it is worth a detour.
Really limited attraction. A few pens of wolves and limited shop. Very costly to get in to open day and little to see or keep kids occupied. A real disappointment. Not at all good for us, perhaps others really impressed by a glimpse of wolf, for us it soon got boring.
I adopted a wolf for my husband last Christmas. We had been on a walk with the late, great Duma back in 2011 but hadn't had the pleasure of visiting during one of their busy open days. Our trip fell during the October half term and we were pleased to see the place full of so many excited families. Once the wolves had been fed however, the families soon dispersed and we were left with a few other keen photographers/wolf enthusiasts. It was a chilly day with slight rain but that only heightened the experience. My husband and I stood in silence for most of the afternoon, just enjoying watching the wolves playing and relaxing. At one point I dared to call out Mosi's name, not expecting much reaction, but she turned to me and sniffed the air before moving on again. The wolves are always happy and healthy, the keepers are always friendly and happy to chat. I am very proud to be associated with the Trust and will keep coming back to visit.
My second visit to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust - (14th Sept) - wish I lived nearer!. Very interesting seminar, thrilling walk with wolves, (also 'wolf dogs' - on site for the seminar). Friendly, helpful and informative staff. A worthwhile experience that I recommend highly and I'm eager to return - in particular to see my own adopted wolf!. Thanks to all concerned. AMJ