Stay at our field study centres

Whether you want a welcoming base with research facilities for your own field studies, or just want to have a holiday at a working centre where you can learn more about A Rocha at first hand, our field study centres may meet your needs.

The accommodation varies from very basic dormitories to en-suite and family rooms.

Canada

A Rocha Canada's Field Study Centre is located on the Pacific Coast in British Columbia, 35 km south of Vancouver, just north of the Canada-U.S. border. The Little Campbell River, adjacent to the property, supports a diversity of birds, plants, insects and fish, including five species of Pacific salmonids. Nearby Boundary Bay, within walking distance, is the top-rated Important Bird Area (IBA) in Canada. Formerly used as a dairy farm, the Canadian centre includes a heritage barn, organic demonstration garden, ponds, pastures, and community living space. Lab space for research and an ecology centre for on-site education of school children and community groups will be added. The centre is ideal for those looking for research opportunities or just a hands-on experience. Nearby buses connect to downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and a ferry service to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Contact: A Rocha Canada, 512 172nd Street, Surrey, BC, V3S 9R3, Canada. Tel +1-604-542-9022. E-mail: canada@arocha.org

France

Les Tourades is a new field study centre in the Vallée des Baux in Provence. The centre is 4 km east of Arles, and within easy reach of the well-known Camargue wetlands, the plain of the Crau and the Alpilles hills. Our study site at the Ilon estate includes marsh, woodland and grassland, and is 7 km from the centre.

Contact: Jean-Pierre and Martine Charlemagne, Les Tourades, Route de Coste Basse (D33b), 13200 Arles, France. Tel +33 (0) 490 960 158. E-mail: france@arocha.org

Kenya

Mwamba is on the coast at Watamu, 100 km north of Mombasa. Offshore is a National Marine Park and Reserve with world-class coral reefs. Nearby is the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, one of the most important forests for bird conservation in all Africa, and Mida Creek, a superb mangrove ecosystem composed from seven out of nine East African mangrove species. This is a perfect location for studying - or just enjoying - a wide range of species and habitats. Formerly a guest house, the centre is now being gradually renovated.

Contact: A Rocha Kenya, Mwamba Field Study Centre, PO Box 383, Watamu 80202 Kenya. Tel +254 (0) 423 2023; (mobile) +254 (0) 722 842366. E-mail: mwamba@arocha.org

Portugal

Cruzinha, in the Algarve, South Portugal, is surrounded by the attractive farmlands of the Quinta da Rocha peninsula and overlooks the Alvor estuary. The nearest large towns are Portimão and Lagos, Cruzinha being half-way between them. Regular visitors to the centre include school and university groups, as well as families and individuals. There are excellent areas for plants, birds and insects within easy walking distance of the centre and both Cape St Vincent and the Monchique hills are within easy reach by car or bus.

Contact: Marcial Felgueiras, Cruzinha, Apt 41, 8501-903 Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal. Tel/Fax +351 282 968380. E-mail: portugal@arocha.org

UK

The UK residential Centre is in Southall, west London. It is a short ride from Heathrow Airport, with easy access to central London. Volunteers can get involved in conservation work at the Minet Country Park - our study site, in practical tasks around the Centre, or join in with community activities, such as our environmental summer playschemes. We also welcome visitors who wish to use us as a base for a holiday in London, whilst also experiencing A Rocha Living Waterways (our UK flagship project). Come and enjoy this vibrant multi-cultural town (have a meal at the official best Indian restaurant in the UK!) and explore the famous sites of our capital city. We look forward to welcoming you!

Contact: Dave and Anne Bookless, A Rocha UK, 13 Avenue Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3BL, England. Tel +44 (0)20 8574 5935 Fax +44 (0)20 8571 6471. E-mail: uk@arocha.org