Auction 2024

Presented by Professor Rob Marrs, former President of the Heather Trust:

A day’s consultancy visit to an area of moorland identified by the successful bidder.

Rob is a leading academic expert on moorland management with a particular emphasis on vegetation management including bracken control and subsequent restoration and heather managment.

It is anticipated that the successful bidder will wish to accompany Rob on the visit and, in conversation, take advantage of his encyclopaedic knowledge of moorland and its management.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor during the summer of 2024. Depending on the location, some assistance with travel and subsistence charges may be requested.

Presented by award-winning wildlife artist Ashley Boon:

Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all and being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush?

Well, this is your chance to bid for an opportunity of a lifetime to do just that.

Ashley Boon is a British wildlife artist with a passion for Africa. In 2001 his great friend and experienced specialist guide Brian Gibson (who owns and runs one of the longest-established and highly-respected mobile safari outfits in Botswana), invited Ashley to join his safari enterprise. These safaris have now become affectionately known as “Boon-Gibson Safaris” and in 2023, the pair led their 22nd safari in 16 years.

The joy of mobile safari is that you live in the bush in total privacy, 24-7, gifting you the opportunity to enjoy this wild place, undisturbed by anything other than the incredible wildlife that abounds here.

The safari that is for auction will be taken at the end of October 2025 (exact dates TBC), a very good time as the water in the Okavango Delta is at its lowest. The game is therefore concentrated mainly near the water that remains - and the predators are never far behind. It can be hot but it is very productive! During this old-style safari you will seek out a great variety of Antelope, Impala, Waterbuck, Kudu, Lechwe, Steenbock, Reedbuck and Giraffe to name a few. You will see Hippos and Crocodiles and Northern Botswana has one of the greatest densities of Elephants in Africa.

This safari will be for a minimum of 4 people, based on 2 shared, comfortable 'Hemingway-style' tents. More people can join your party, but there will be an extra charge (by negotiation). 

Brian and Ashley guarantee to do their very best to deliver to you the trip of a lifetime. They aim to show you as much of the spectacular wildlife as they can and to share their knowledge and passion for this magical part of Africa.

Further information on what the safari will entail can be found here.

Exact itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Maun via Johannesburg to be met by Ashley & Brian and taken to the River Lodge. Time for a shower etc before going to the Elephant sanctuary for the baby Elephant experience. Please note that you must pay for meals (other than breakfast at the River Lodge) and drinks.

Day 2: Brian & Ashley collect you from the River Lodge and drive them into the Okavango Delta for 7 nights mobile camping (Moremi Game Reserve for 4nights and 3 nights in the Khwai Community Reserve although not necessarily in that order; this will depend on camp site availability. A boat trip on the Delta waterways will happen on the camp changeover day.

Day 9: After breakfast, say goodbye to camp staff before Brain & Ashley drive you back to Maun for the return flight to Johannesburg and onward journey.

Important information:

Flights are not included (NB. Ashley can help you arrange internal flights in Southern Africa).

Full payment must be made before the safari.

The cost includes all transport, accommodation, park fees, guide fees, all meals and drinks (excluding the meals and drinks other than breakfast at the River Lodge on Day 1). It does not include money for discretionary tips for camp staff and guides.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. A base cost must be paid by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund the Trust's work and initiatives.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to become spellbound in Venice, Italy, including:

• An opulent palazzo apartment with sun-kissed shared terrace for four guests over four nights
• Private Grand Canal tour, water taxi transfers, daily croissant deliveries, and pre-stocking
• The magic of Venice at your fingertips with the world-famous Piazza San Marco three minutes away
• Dedicated Concierge and trip planning services
• 18 month to travel

Room configuration:

Bedroom 1: King size bed

Bedroom 2: Convertible King / Twin size bed

Bathrooms: 2

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 18 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE VENICE ART BIENNALE PRE-OPENING WEEK

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to lose yourself in Iceland's untamed beauty, including:

• A luxury geodesic dome for two guests over three nights
• Your choice from three Icelandic adventures
• A private hot tub, wood burning fire and, private, fully equipped bathroom
• Premium Guesst Services for trip planning
• 24 months to travel

Bedroom configuration

Master: King size bed

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 24 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DECEMBER 21ST - JANUARY 1ST.

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented by Flora Blackett:

Website: www.florablackett.com

An oil portrait of an animal of your choosing by acclaimed artist Flora Blackett.

"Born in 1978 in South west Scotland, Flora Blackett trained for 4 years at the prestigious Charles H Cecil studio in Florence, Italy.

As well as portraits, she is a renowned wildlife artist. Dividing her time between her studios in London and her native Dumfriessire she works on both commissions and her own inspired paintings and drawings. With trips throughout the UK, Europe, America and Africa, Flora continuously searches for exciting new subjects. She captures at first hand, the animals in their surroundings and strives to depict both the immediacy and serenity in every scene.
Flora has had many highly acclaimed exhibitions throughout the UK and America.

In 2014 Flora combined her love of art and interiors to launch Flora Blackett designs.

Her work now hangs in collections throughout the world and is now listed in the national archives."

50% of the Sale value will go to the Heather Trust. Please note that, due to her popularity, there is likely to be a waiting period before the commission will be completed.

Presented by Robert Benson, Heather Trust Board member and Chairman of Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group:

https://www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk/

An outing lasting 3 – 4 hours with a Penrith Red Squirrel Ranger in Cumbria.

Preferably May or June – date and time to be arranged with the donor.

Image credits: Sarah McNeil