People with learning disabilities have the opportunity to experience 9 days close to nature in the hills of Provence alongside BBC wildlife presenter Chris Sperring this April, thanks to specialist tour operator Go Provence Supported Holidays.
The holiday will take place in Moustiers Sainte Marie, designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. The location is surrounded by the biggest canyon in Europe, Gorges du Verdon, the lake of Sainte-Croix and the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.
The trip aims to include photography by the holidaymakers of griffin vultures, migratory birds, wild boar, deer and the goat-like Chamoix that live in the area.
Ian Callen, director of Go Provence said: “Go Provence understands that nowadays people with learning disabilities want to be living like their peers; this can mean travelling, taking a year out and exploring the outdoors. We can help this dream to become reality.”
Participants on the wildlife photography week will be able to find out about the orchids, butterflies, wild flowers, dawn chorus, snakes and lizards they see or hear. There will also be the chance to go on a St Tropez cruise, do some stargazing and eat around an open fire.
Go Provence are teaming up with television wildlife presenter Sperring to offer the holiday after the conservationist was impressed by his holiday with the organisation last year that he enjoyed alongside his autistic son.
Parents and carers will also be able to enjoy some much-needed time out on the wildlife photography week. They will be staying in a village nearby in their own accommodation so they can get a well-deserved holiday.
Funds raised from the photography week will be used for a project planned for next year aimed at giving people with learning disabilities the opportunity to volunteer in a third-world country doing aid work.
The wildlife photography holiday runs from April 7-16. It is open to everyone, regardless of photographic ability, as well as those with learning disabilities. The only requirements are that participants be able to use a DSLR camera, can walk over stony terrain and are willing to travel a few kilometres on foot. For more information visit www.goprovence.co.uk.
