Family Friendly Bat Walks - Thursday 8th August & Saturday 17th August 2024

Date: 15/07/2024
Category: Evening Guided Wildlife Walks

Family Friendly Bat Walks – Thursday 8th August & Saturday 17th August 2024

Looking for something different to do with the family over the summer holidays? Why not join us for two family friendly evening bat walks this August.

Locko Park lake can see four species of bat feeding over it on a summer evening

These two short, accessible nocturnal safari’s in the Derby area are suitable for both adults and children of all ages. Lasting around 90 minutes these walks are great fun for all the family and offer a brilliant opportunity to encounter some of our little seen nocturnal species.

With our bat detectors switched we’ll go in search of our only flying mammals – with species such as Pipistrelle, Noctule, Daubenton’s and Natterer’s Bat all seen on these walks previously – as well as some of our other nocturnal wildlife like Hares, Owls, Deer, Fox and maybe even a Badger!

The following dates/locations are now available to book:

Thursday 8th August 2024 – Derby and Darley Park

Saturday 17th August 2024 – Locko Park, Spondon

Need to know: Both of the walks have a maximum group size of eight people (all bookings are on a first come, first served basis), cost £5 per person and will normally last around 90 minutes. Exact meeting times and places will be confirmed to all bookers but the walks will typically start approximately 30 minutes before sunset.

Both of the walks are on good paths and accessible for people of limited mobility as well as being suitable for all ages (please note that children must be supervised by their parents/guardians throughout). Expect to walk between 2-4 miles at a leisurely pace. Please note that no toilet facilities will be available on either walk. An adverse weather forecast may lead to a postponement or cancellation.

Access to shared bat detectors and a spotting scope will be available but please bring binoculars and any additional bat detectors if you have them.

Booking is by email to info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk or by completing the enquiry form on the contact page.

If these dates don’t work for you please get in touch as, potentially, I would be able to lead a bat walk on another date for you or at another location for you.

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.

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Contact Us

Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

Family Friendly Bat Walks – Thursday 8th August & Saturday 17th August 2024