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
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