June 4, 2025
Put away the screens, grab your magnifying glass (or wellies), and step into the wild world of Pembrokeshire—because nature has clues to share, and Newgale Lodge is the perfect headquarters for your next big adventure as a nature detective.
Whether you’re seven or seventy, there’s something deeply satisfying about tracking a footprint, spotting a rare bird, or deciphering the curious nibble marks on a leaf. Nature detective work isn’t just for the David Attenboroughs of the world—it’s for families, school groups, team away days and curious weekend wanderers.
So how do you become a Nature Detective?
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Set Up Base at Newgale Lodge
Newgale Lodge is nestled between lush woodlands, vast meadows, and the sweeping coastlines of Pembrokeshire National Park. Translation? You’re surrounded by wildlife, often just a few metres from your bunk.
Case in point: A family from Bristol who visited last summer told us their children spent hours each evening cataloguing beetles in the hedgerows, then proudly presented their “Buglog” at dinner.
Top Tip: Grab one of our complimentary wildlife spotter guides at reception, or ask our team to help you set up a custom scavenger hunt tailored to the season and age group.
Step 2: Learn to Read the Clues
Just like any good detective, you need to know what to look for. Luckily, Pembrokeshire is teeming with evidence:
- Footprints in the mud near the woodland trail? Could be a badger, fox or rabbit.
- Tiny holes in the leaves of the hazel trees? Likely from leafcutter bees.
- Scattered shells or crab claws on the coastal path? Look up—seagulls and jackdaws drop their seafood snacks onto the rocks to crack them open.
Did You Know? Otters are known to leave ‘spraints’ (a charming word for poo) on flat stones near rivers to mark territory. Smelly? Yes. Useful? Absolutely.
Case Study: One youth group visiting Newgale on a nature camp discovered a mysterious trail of feathers, leading to a small thicket. With a little guidance, they identified it as the remains of a buzzard’s breakfast—giving them a real-world ecology lesson that stuck far longer than any textbook ever could.
Step 3: Keep Your Ears Open
Some of Pembrokeshire’s most interesting wildlife don’t want to be seen—but they can be heard. Early morning and twilight are the best times to listen.
- The eerie hoot of a tawny owl.
- The metallic song of a chaffinch.
- The high-pitched squeak of bats flitting over the treetops at dusk.
Newgale Lodge’s quiet rural location makes it ideal for sonic sleuthing. Bring a notebook or voice recorder and challenge each other to guess the creature behind the call.
Step 4: Capture the Evidence
Wildlife watching is one thing—documenting it is next-level. Encourage kids (and grown-ups!) to sketch, photograph, or journal what they find.
A few clever ideas:
- Build a “Bug Mugshot” wall in the games room.
- Start a communal “Clue Log” book in your group cabin.
- Host a “Nature Press Conference” where participants share their findings like scientific reporters.
Real Example: A teacher from Cardiff who brought her Year 6 class to Newgale Lodge used nature detective work to support a literacy lesson. The students wrote detective-style reports based on their findings—combining science, creative writing and group work in one go.
Step 5: Respect the Scene
A good detective never contaminates the crime scene. Encourage gentle exploration—leave no trace, don’t pick wildflowers, and avoid disturbing nests or burrows.
Instead:
- Take photos, not samples.
- Observe quietly—binoculars are your friend.
- Use eco-friendly kits and gear.
We even offer a “Nature Code Briefing” for school groups on arrival, setting the tone for responsible fun.
Bonus Round: Join the Lodge’s Nature Hunt Challenge!
Every school holiday, Newgale Lodge runs a Nature Detective Challenge for families and groups. It includes:
- A seasonal wildlife treasure hunt
- Clue cards hidden along local trails
- A certificate for each budding sleuth
- A prize for the most interesting find (past winners include a perfectly intact owl pellet and a giant mushroom as big as a dinner plate)
Why Stay at Newgale Lodge?
Aside from the epic wildlife and space to roam, Newgale Lodge offers:
✅ Comfortable group accommodation
✅ On-site outdoor activities
✅ Space for bonfires, stargazing, and storytelling
✅ Tailored experiences for schools, families, and teams
Whether you’re planning a nature-based school residential, a family adventure, or an educational retreat—Newgale Lodge is your perfect basecamp for detective work in the wild.
Ready to Become a Nature Detective?
Pack your curiosity, your wellies, and maybe a pair of binoculars—and head to Newgale Lodge for an unforgettable adventure filled with clues, creatures, and connection.
Book your stay today and unlock the secrets of the Pembrokeshire wild.