• Telephone: 07989 218860
  • Email: info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

Autumn Specials!

Autumn Specials – Three seasonal walks to make the most of the season of change

Our three events are aimed to make the most of the wildlife on offer during Autumn – just take a look and get in touch to book your space.

Hares, Owls and Bats at Locko Park – Saturday 22 October 2022

Join me for an easy evening walk on my local patch just outside Derby as we look for some fantastic mammal and bird species.

Grey Wagtail can be encountered all year round (picture: Joanne Thomas, May 2022)

Starting a couple of hours before sunset we’ll take a gentle stroll through the the parks arable surroundings looking for the numerous Brown Hare that use the area as well as some of the special farmland birds such as Kestrel, Yellowhammer and the increasingly rare Grey Partridge. Entering the park we’ll keep our eyes open for more Hares and the Fallow Deer that frequent the area, we’ll visit the lake with its increasing numbers of wildfowl before heading to an area that is used by both Little and Barn Owls as well as Grey and Red legged Partridge. Returning through the park we will use the Bat detector to see if any species are on the wing feeding up or looking for hibernation sites prior to entering torpor – a mild night might see us encounter Pipistrelle, Noctule and possibly Daubentons Bat.

Need to know

Price: £10 per person

Max group size: 8

Start: 4pm, Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours, Walking/Terrain: Easy

Visible Migration (vis-mig) Drop-in Session (FREE) & Autumn Bird Walk – Saturday 29 October 2022 @ High Leas Farm, Riber, Matlock DE4 5JX (use the entrance off Littlemoor Lane)

Free Visible Migration (vis-mig) drop in session (7.30am – 10.30am)
Autumn is a time of movement and change for our bird populations. Our Summer breeders such as Warblers and Swallows are heading South whilst a myriad of other species arrive from mainland Europe, Scandinavia and even further North drawn here by our mild and damp Winter climate.
Drop in and join us free of charge at a watch point above the farm to learn a bit about the magic of bird migration and help us record what species are arriving, departing and passing through! Stay and watch (and chat) for as long as you wish – your help and input will be greatly appreciated as we continue to build a picture on what species use the farm in all season’s.
Need to know
Warm/waterproof clothing recommended, some pairs of binoculars will be available to borrow but please bring your own if you have them. 
Poor weather (fog/heavy rain) may lead to a cancellation. In any doubt about conditions please call or message Antony on 07989218860 before you set off who will confirm if the session is taking place.
No booking or cost but to help us keep track of numbers – if you want to come please express your interest on the eventbrite link below;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-visible-migration-vis-mig-drop-in-session-tickets-426261709247?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
Autumn Bird Walk (1.30pm – 4pm)
Join us for an Autumnal afternoon walk around the farm as we look for seasonal changes in the bird communities using the fields, hedgerows and woods.
Lesser Redpoll on Bass Rec 2021

A flock Lesser Redpoll feeding on Birch catkins

Autumn is an exciting time of change in the bird world – our Spring and Summer visitors such as Redstart and Tree Pipit have departed for Africa  and been replaced with migrant Thrushes and Finches from Scandinavia and beyond. We will be looking for iconic Autumn and Winter farmland species such as Redwing and Fieldfare whilst searching for Redpoll, Siskin and maybe even Brambling in the woods. We’ll keep an eye out for hungry hunting raptors and there is always a chance of something rarer passing through.

Need to know:
Max group size: 12

Start: 1.45pm, Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours, Walking/Terrain: Moderate

Booking & Cost: The booking for this walk will be handled by the good people at Holistic Restoration and will be via Eventbrite. The link is posted below – please follow it to book!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autumn-bird-walk-tickets-426314497137?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Rutting Red Deer on the Eastern Moors – Wednesday 26th October & Sunday 6th November 2022

Come and join us on an easy walk along the Eastern Moors for one of most popular and long established tours – our walking Red Deer safari!

natural derbyshire tours, ecotourism

A large group of hinds and younger males

We will visit the stunning Curbar and Froggatt edges and climb up to White Edge with it’s spectacular vistas and their views over Big Moor where we’ll hopefully find our target animal, Red Deer, along with much more.

At this time of year the Stags should be at their most vocal and obvious as they look to win and keep control of a group of hinds. While we are up there we’ll keep our eyes open for migrant birds heading over the moors as our winter visitors start to arrive and our summer breeders continue to depart. The rich berry laden vegetation below the edges acting as a magnet to these migratory bird species.

Promises to be an action packed visit with fabulous photo opportunities. Early morning starts or late afternoon/evening visits are recommended for the most rewarding views. Perfect for the mammal lover or nature enthusiast in your life – we cant wait to share these special animals with you, so please get in touch to enquire or book.

Need to know

Price: £20

Max group size: 6

Start: 8.00am, Location: TBC on booking, Duration: 3 hours, Walking/Terrain: Moderate


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What Our Visitors Say ...

"I had a half-day walk with Antony, hoping to see a Ring Ouzel, and to see Waders in their nesting habitat. I achieved both of these, and saw several other good birds as well, including an owl and several Pied Flycatchers (another first for me). Anthony was not only very knowledgeable but also good company, and I would recommend his walks for anyone who enjoys wildlife but would benefit from some local expertise."
Tim Bucknall - Dorset.
"Antony's guided tour began in Hartington, and included an upland area, Biggin Dale and Wolfscote Dale. This gave us experience of a great variety of habitats, and a chance to see lots of birds, including ravens, rooks, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon, wheatears and stonechats, dippers and wagtails and chiffchaffs. The weather was variable, but Antony made the whole tour really entertaining and informative. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, and birds in particular. Just as important, he is a very friendly and approachable guide, always willing to engage in discussion on any aspect of the area. We felt that, in addition to having a most interesting walk, we came away with really useful advice about how to observe birds on our future walks. The weather improved as we walked along the River Dove, and we were treated to some very special moments of bird observation, aided by Antony's telescope and tripod. We would highly recommend Antony to anyone keen to learn more about local wildlife as part of a most enjoyable walk in Derbyshire."
D & C Longson - Derbyshire.
"My mum and I had a fantastic bespoke walk with Antony around the Brassington area and Rose End Meadows in Cromford. Beautiful scenery, glorious sunshine and a wealth of interesting facts about the flowers, birds, insects and butterflies we met along the way. We had a truly magical time watching a Silver-washed Fritillary dancing and gliding around right in front of us for fifteen minutes. The walk was a birthday present for my mum and Antony took the time to find out what her specific interests and level of knowledge were in advance so that he could plan the route accordingly. He even sent us more information afterwards to confirm a couple of butterfly and dragonfly IDs. Antony really knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is infectious. He also has an unbelievable eye and ear for tiny creatures, plants and sounds that would have passed me by completely. A relaxing, hugely informative and very enjoyable day all round. Many thanks again, Antony!"
L Breakwell - Nottingham.
"Thank you ever so much for the Dawn Chorus experience last Saturday. Even though the weather was terrible we really enjoyed it. We all said would do it again regardless of the weather."
J Tagg - Derbyshire.
"Thoroughly enjoyed two fantastic nature walks with Antony in September 2020. Loved our walk on the Eastern Moors spotting moorland birds and lots and lots of red deer, just starting their rut. Our second walk was an early morning exploration of the very different habitat of the Derwent river and Cromford Canal. Spent ages watching a beautiful pair of dippers dabbling in the river, a streaking Kingfisher and tons of little Grebe diving in the clear water. Antony was an absolutely brilliant guide. He has amazing knowledge about every single species of bird, mammal and lots of plants across the Peak District and knows exactly where to find them. He has such a friendly and welcoming manner that you never feel you're not 'expert' enough and he patiently answers every question. I would thoroughly recommend a nature walk with Antony to get to know the Peak District through the eyes of a wildlife fan! Very best wishes and see you next spring!"
N Marshall - London.
"Antony was not only very knowledgeable about swifts but also provided valuable information to participants on the walks regarding support for the various swift habitats in their neighbourhood. Highly recommended."
D Howson - Derby.
"A great evening watching swifts, and learning about other local wildlife. The leader was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us lots of interesting information about swifts, and how we could help with their conservation. There was plenty of time to ask questions, and the walk was taken at a leisurely pace to enable everyone to keep up and get involved. A lovely evening stroll that everyone seemed to enjoy!"
H Naylor - Derbyshire.

Walking Tours In Derbyshire

  • Walking based wildlife tours in Derbyshire for up to 4 people (walks for larger groups can be arranged).
  • Walks to suit all abilities/fitness’s.
  • Full day, shorter and bespoke walks available.
  • Expert local guide.
  • Prices include use of optics and identification books/charts, a delicious packed lunch (full day walks only) and hot drinks.
  • Transport for up to 4 people available to and from accommodation.
  • 5% of each booking will be donated to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

natural derbyshire tours


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