Hawfinch at Cromford & Crossbill in the Matlock Forest 1 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
A dual stop tour with a short easy amble at both locations aimed at finding two of our most enigmatic winter bird species – Hawfinch & Crossbill!
The day will start at Cromford where we will be looking for the wintering Hawfinch around the Wharf, Churchyard and near Willesley Castle (last winter was a bumper one for this species) as well as keeping our eyes open for Dipper, Kingfisher & Grey Wagtail on the Derwent. Plenty of others finch species use this area as well as winter thrushes so we should be able to add Siskin, Redwing, Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush to our lists. Sparrowhawk & Kestrel often hunt around the churchyard and castle keeping the winter visitors on their toes!
We’ll then make the short drive up into the Matlock Forest where we will search the plantations for Common Crossbill which enjoy feeding on the cones of Sitka Spruce that dominant the conifer blocks. Siskin, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and other woodland specialists can be found here whilst Birch trees on the edge of the woods are a favourite of Lesser Redpoll – will be lucky enough to find a frosty, Mealy Redpoll amongst the flocks? Raven and Buzzard are likely over the clear-fell areas with Goshawk a possibility!
Need To Know
On reasonable paths (some tree roots must be negotiated at the Matlock Forest site) and mostly flat, these routes will suit most abilities but are not wheelchair accessible. Some of the paths will be muddy so walking boots are recommended.
Price:£20 per person
Date:16/11/2025
Time:7:45 am
Duration:4 hours
Accessible Winter Bird Walk 1 - Attenborough Nature Reserve
Description
The first of a pair of winter bird walks that will suit those with restricted mobility.
A fantastic and popular birding destination in the Trent valley. This Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve consists of a series of flooded gravel pits and extensive reedbeds. Expect good numbers and a big variety of wintering wildfowl including Goldeneye, Pochard and Goosander (with the chance of scarcer species such as Smew, Scaup and Ring Necked Duck) as well as waders like Snipe and a good variety of Heron/Egret species with Bittern, Great Egret and Cattle Egret regularly recorded. This extensive site always offers the chance of something rarer too! There’s a fantastic visitor centre and café on site as well!
Need To Know
The walk is on mostly level, paved or well surfaced tracks that are suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. The site is open to the elements so dress accordingly.
Price:£15 per person
Date:30/11/2025
Time:8:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Accessible Winter Bird Walk 2 - Carsington Water
Description
The second of a pair of winter bird walks that will suit those with restricted mobility.
Possibly the best winter birding spot in the county! This extensive reservoir has it all with loads of wildfowl including a good chance of scarcer stuff like Whooper Swan, Divers, Scaup, Ring-Necked Duck and Red Necked & Slavonian Grebe, wintering waders such as Dunlin, Redshank, Snipe and Lapwing (and maybe even Jack Snipe) and raptors such as Peregrine and Red Kite. Local specialities like the nationally scarce Willow Tit and Tree Sparrow will be visiting the feeders at Millfields and the wildlife centre along with more common species and there is always the chance of something rarer on the dam wall with Snow Bunting recorded there previously. Plenty of facilities on site with the chance to grab a hot drink on route!
Need To Know
The walk is on mostly level, paved or well surfaced tracks that are suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. The site is open to the elements so dress accordingly.
Price:£20 per person
Date:07/12/2025
Time:8:15 am
Duration:3-4 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
Hawfinch at Cromford & Crossbill in the Matlock Forest 2
Description
A dual stop tour with a short easy amble at both locations aimed at finding two of our most enigmatic winter bird species – Hawfinch & Crossbill!
The day will start at Cromford where we will be looking for the wintering Hawfinch around the Wharf, Churchyard and near Willesley Castle (last winter was a bumper one for this species) as well as keeping our eyes open for Dipper, Kingfisher & Grey Wagtail on the Derwent. Plenty of others finch species use this area as well as winter thrushes so we should be able to add Siskin, Redwing, Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush to our lists. Sparrowhawk & Kestrel often hunt around the churchyard and castle keeping the winter visitors on their toes!
We’ll then make the short drive up into the Matlock Forest where we will search the plantations for Common Crossbill which enjoy feeding on the cones of Sitka Spruce that dominant the conifer blocks. Siskin, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and other woodland specialists can be found here whilst Birch trees on the edge of the woods are a favourite of Lesser Redpoll – will be lucky enough to find a frosty, Mealy Redpoll amongst the flocks? Raven and Buzzard are likely over the clear-fell areas with Goshawk a possibility!
Need To Know
On reasonable paths (some tree roots must be negotiated at the Matlock Forest site) and mostly flat, these routes will suit most abilities but are not wheelchair accessible. Some of the paths will be muddy so walking boots are recommended.
Price:£20 per person
Date:14/12/2025
Time:8:15 am
Duration:4 hours
Availability:1 places remaining
Winter bird walk at Locko Park
Description
We'll begin our walk just outside the park proper as we try to track down one of the UK's fastest declining bird species - the Grey Partridge - with winter being the best season to find this farmland specialist along with Red-Legged Partridge, Skylark and Linnet that share its habitat. Roving flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing scour the fields and hedgerows here, battling the local Mistle Thrushes for any remaining precious berries and Lapwing can often be found in winter with the chance of a few Golden Plover amongst the flock.
With no leaves on the trees this is a great time to watch some of the resident parkland birds with great views of Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreepers and a variety of finches – including wintering Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and possibly Brambling on offer. The Yews by the lake hold good numbers of Goldcrest, Thrushes & Tits whilst winter 24/25 saw around 15 Hawfinch frequent the area around the house & gardens.
Wildfowl numbers and variety increase on the lake with the return of Goosander, Teal and Pochard whilst Mandarin numbers have built up with the coiffured males looking at their absolute best. With the local brooks and river often in spate, Kingfisher regularly use the lake in the winter months too. We'll keep an eye open for flocks of Pink Footed Geese on their cross country flights (with the occasional bird joining the Greylags on the ground) whilst a sudden clattering of Wood Pigeons betrays the presence of a hungry Peregrine which regularly use the park in winter. Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel are all resident and, with increasingly regular sightings, it is surely only a matter of time before Red Kite join the breeding list of raptors too. With less daylight available a winter walk can often produce both Barn Owl and Little Owl.
And its not just birds - with winter a great time to spot the areas healthy populations of Brown Hare and Fallow Deer
Need To Know
An easy walk that is predominantly level and will be mostly on concrete drives and gravel paths (with the exception of the first section that may be on muddy footpaths/field edges). The area can be cold and windy so please dress accordingly and wear sensible footwear. There are no toilet or café facilities available.
Price:£10 per person
Date:18/01/2026
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:5 places remaining
Winter bird walk at High Leas Farm (Riber)
Description
Come and join us for this late winter walk around the farm as we look for the bird species that have wintered here as well as those passing through and enjoy the early signs of spring from our resident avian species.
With it's rich and varied habitats the farm is a haven for wildlife all year round, with winter being one of the best times to encounter large numbers of birds. Flocks of migrant Redwing, Fieldfare & Blackbird have spent the winter feeding on berries, but February's warming temperature means this is great time to spot them feeding in the open pastures as they fatten up on earthworms prior to heading north to breed.
The number and variety of Finch species is at its peak in winter with big flocks of Goldfinch roaming the fields feeding on any remaining thistle and teasel, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll can be found in the woods with Crossbill & Brambling recorded most years and last winter saw us enjoy big numbers of beautiful Bullfinch in the grasslands feeding on the ample dock seeds.
Hungry raptors will be hunting on the farm too with late winter a great time to spot our Barn Owls out and about in daytime as well as our resident Kestrel and Buzzard with the occasional Red Kite & Peregrine overhead. A sunny day in February is the ideal time for our two species of hawk to indulge in some display as well.
By February our resident birds will be beginning to think about the upcoming breeding season so there will be a good chance of hearing the iconic sound of drumming woodpeckers as well as enjoying a chorus of early singers such as Great Tit, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush.
Need To Know
Tickets are available to buy online directly from the farm through the following link:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heartwood/1845874
Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear as we will be walking over uneven ground. Bring binoculars if you have them. Tea and coffee will be provided at the end of the walk
Price:£10 per person
Date:08/02/2026
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
Raptor watching in the Upper Derwent Valley 1
Description
*A new walk for 2026*
An easy scenic walk in the Dark Peak where we will spend time looking for the various bird of prey species that call this area home including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Red Kite, Peregrine and if we are lucky Goshawk too!
It's not just raptors though as this is a great time to catch winter visitors to the area such as Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling as well as other iconic upland species like Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin and Red Grouse.
Need To Know
Parking will be in the pay and display car park and Fairholmes where toilet and café facilities are available
A steep climb and ascent by steps is required at the start and end of the walk which is predominantly flat and on a good level gravel track.
This walk will be weather dependent with a forecast of heavy rain or poor visibility possibly leading to postponement or cancellation.
Price:£20
Date:22/02/2026
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Availability:5 places remaining
The Best of North Notts 1
Description
Our annual jaunts into the north of the neighbouring county were really well received in 2025 so we are doing them again!
Starting in the famous Sherwood Forest where we will be looking for iconic woodland species such as Jay, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and all three woodpeckers with the nationally rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker just clinging on in the area! A short walk takes us to wonderful Budby, a fantastic tract of lowland heath where we will look for one of nature's best songsters, the Woodlark. These early nesters are at their most visible in early spring when they will be establishing their territories with beautiful, fluting song flights. Other birds here include Crossbill, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Stonechat, Kestrel with the chance of a basking Common Lizard on a sunny morning! A short drive then takes us to a well known raptor watching area where we can expect Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk along with the star of the show - Goshawk!
Anything can turn up with one of our 2025 groups enjoying a group of flyover Cranes and the other enjoying great views of several Hawfinch!
Need To Know
Some driving is required between our parking spot at Sherwood (Edwinstowe) and the area of the Dukeries we will visit.
Heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation. Some of the woodland paths may be slippy and/or muddy so decent footwear is a must.
Price:£20
Date:01/03/2026
Time:7:00 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:1 places remaining
Discover Mountain Hares 1 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Our most popular walk and a chance to find England's only population of Mountain Hare.
These Dark Peak outings are timed to see the Hares in the beautiful white winter coats and with the Peak District population in stark decline every glimpse of these very special animals is one to savour.
Alongside the hares our walks here encounter other iconic moorland species including Red Grouse, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Golden Plover, Curlew & Merlin. We've even encountered Ermines (Stoats in their white winter coats) on three occasions!
Need To Know
The weather can be very changeable in the Dark Peak in Spring so come prepared. Heavy snowfall, poor visibility or heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation.
Some paths are steep and may be slippy but don’t worry we’ll take our time.
Price:£20
Date:08/03/2026
Time:6:45 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Raptor watching in the Upper Derwent Valley 2
Description
*A new walk for 2026*
An easy scenic walk in the Dark Peak where we will spend time looking for the various bird of prey species that call this area home including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Red Kite, Peregrine and if we are lucky Goshawk too!
It's not just raptors though as this is a great time to catch winter visitors to the area such as Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling as well as other iconic upland species like Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin and Red Grouse.
Need To Know
Parking will be in the pay and display car park and Fairholmes where toilet and café facilities are available
A steep climb and ascent by steps is required at the start and end of the walk which is predominantly flat and on a good level gravel track.
This walk will be weather dependent with a forecast of heavy rain or poor visibility possibly leading to postponement or cancellation.
Price:£20
Date:11/03/2026
Time:8:15 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
The Best of North Notts 2
Description
Our annual jaunts into the north of the neighbouring county were really well received in 2025 so we are doing them again!
Starting in the famous Sherwood Forest where we will be looking for iconic woodland species such as Jay, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and all three woodpeckers with the nationally rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker just clinging on in the area! A short walk takes us to wonderful Budby, a fantastic tract of lowland heath where we will look for one of nature's best songsters, the Woodlark. These early nesters are at their most visible in early spring when they will be establishing their territories with beautiful, fluting song flights. Other birds here include Crossbill, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Stonechat, Kestrel with the chance of a basking Common Lizard on a sunny morning! A short drive then takes us to a well known raptor watching area where we can expect Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk along with the star of the show - Goshawk!
Anything can turn up with one of our 2025 groups enjoying a group of flyover Cranes and the other enjoying great views of several Hawfinch!
Need To Know
Some driving is required between our parking spot at Sherwood (Edwinstowe) and the area of the Dukeries we will visit.
Heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation. Some of the woodland paths may be slippy and/or muddy so decent footwear is a must.
Price:£20
Date:22/03/2026
Time:6:30 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:3 places remaining
Discover Mountain Hares 2 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Our most popular walk and a chance to find England's only population of Mountain Hare.
These Dark Peak outings are timed to see the Hares in the beautiful white winter coats and with the Peak District population in stark decline every glimpse of these very special animals is one to savour.
Alongside the hares our walks here encounter other iconic moorland species including Red Grouse, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Golden Plover, Curlew & Merlin. We've even encountered Ermines (Stoats in their white winter coats) on three occasions!
Need To Know
The weather can be very changeable in the Dark Peak in Spring so come prepared. Heavy snowfall, poor visibility or heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation.
Some paths are steep and may be slippy but don’t worry we’ll take our time.
Price:£20
Date:29/03/2026
Time:6:45 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Discover Mountain Hares 3
Description
Our most popular walk and a chance to find England's only population of Mountain Hare.
These Dark Peak outings are timed to see the Hares in the beautiful white winter coats and with the Peak District population in stark decline every glimpse of these very special animals is one to savour.
Alongside the hares our walks here encounter other iconic moorland species including Red Grouse, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Golden Plover, Curlew & Merlin. We've even encountered Ermines (Stoats in their white winter coats) on three occasions!
Need To Know
The weather can be very changeable in the Dark Peak in Spring so come prepared. Heavy snowfall, poor visibility or heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation.
Some paths are steep and may be slippy but don’t worry we’ll take our time.
Price:£20
Date:08/04/2026
Time:6:15 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
