uk wolf 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!

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.

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!

After a few hours 'Walking with the Wolves', I realised how little I know about the world. The wolves appear tame but, as the guide and handlers explained, they are 'socialised', having grown from birth to know humans.The leader was excellent in the way he gave interesting commentary. It was altogether a wonderful experience - and thank you to everyone for making it so.Before writing this review, I looked at the adverse comments and remain puzzled why some people felt disposed to committing their negative comments to the public domain. It must have been dispiriting for the many volunteers/staff to read......

I took my wife on a surprise visit and she absolutely loved it. I have to admit I did too.We found everyone that we encountered during our visit, very welcoming and very knowledgeable. They were all more than happy to take any questions that we had and in fact actively encouraged us to do so.There was tea and coffee offered upon arrival, a nice start to any visit.A real privilege to get so close to these wonderful animals, we got some great photographs.The gift shop has some great items and all priced sensibly.All in all, this is well worth a visit, and is staffed by lovely, welcoming people, thank you for a wonderful visit, we will be back.

If you love and admire the power and majesty of wild predators and want to spend some awesome time in close proximity, this is the place to go. I went for a photography day with a wolf walk and it was well worth the 300 mile round trip. The staff could not have been more helpful and friendly and have a wonderful in-depth knowledge of the animals. Everything was done to give us the best possible experience but, that said, the wolves are still in charge; what they want/need is what they get - which is how it should be. All the wolves have been socialised, so they are not freaked out by the close proximity of humans and some really enjoy human contact. However, they are kept in a manner which allows them to live, behave and interact as naturally as possible. Many congratulations to the Trust for managing to get the balance so right!

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.

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 visited on 24th September 2014 and what an amazing experience, our huge thanks go to Wonderful Wendy too who was our Guide, how fabulous to learn about these great creatures from someone with such knowledge and passion about her subjects. And as for the wolves themselves, so special to see them up close and reacting with utter joy to their enrichment activities, feeding time was a lesson in itself, these magnificent animals are intelligent and know what treats are in store for them and in their own way communicate what they would quite fancy from the menu.We stayed for nearly four hours so fascinating was it to engage with the volunteers and hear them recount their experiences, we were made to feel so welcome, where do you get tea and biscuits provided gratis these days?The educational value and the worldwide conservation efforts alone make a trip here worthwhile,if you are an animal fan this is something different and far more intimate than a zoo/wildlife park experience, thoroughly recommend a visit and I feel sure we will return, it may be corny but this place really is a howling success!Thanks to Everyone for a terrific time, including all the Wolves of course.

I am an animal lover and was very excited to be visiting the wolves, I was not disappointed, the staff are very caring and knowledgeable. All the wolves are in beautiful condition and have large enclosures with enrichment activities to stop them becoming bored. The day we visited the wolves had meat encased in chunks of ice, so basically a meat iced lolly, to occupy themselves with. It was a very hot day and these "lollies" were clearly great fun. The staff began by giving us all a complimentary drink (tea/coffee or squash) a keeper then walk with you and tells you about the lifestory of the wolves and you are able to ask questions. At 2pm it is feeding time. Keepers feed through the fence so you see the wolves very close up, a great time to take photos. There are red kites (birds of prey) in this area so you can also enjoy the birdlife. There are picnic tables and seats you can use to enjoy a packed lunch. There is a loo but no cafe since the centre only opens on a wednesday there is no point in them building a cafe. I went with several friends and we had a great time seeing the wolves and talking to the keepers. There is a gift shop if you want postcards etc.. I recommend this centre for all age groups. In summer a packed lunch is lovely to eat outside in winter there is a local pub that gives discounted food to visitors (staff can tell you which one). This centre has paths on the flat and is suitable for visitors using wheelchairs.

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

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.

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 :)

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.

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.