Winter Bird Walk 1 - Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Dam
Description
An easy 5 mile walk, on good paths, alongside one of our famous Derwent Valley reservoirs to the iconic Derwent Dam and back.
The walk along the well wooded east flank of Ladybower should produce many of the expected winter woodland bird species with Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker all likely whilst the main draw will be our wintering finch species with Siskin and Redpoll both present in good numbers, whilst mixed flocks of Brambling and Chaffinch should be present and there is a good chance of Crossbill too.
The open water of the reservoirs have a knack of attracting in passage winter wildfowl with Whooper Swan and Common Scoter all seen on previous walks at this time of year and Pink Footed Geese are now becoming an expected sight criss-crossing the Peaks throughout the winter period.
A sunny day might see a few raptors take to the air above us with Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk the most likely (along with that honoury 'raptor' the Raven) but both Goshawk and Red Kite may put in an appearance too!
Need To Know
Most of the walk is on good paved paths with some slight inclines but can be muddy so walking boots recommended. Facilities will be available at the halfway point with toilets and a café at Fairholmes visitor centre below the Derwent Dam.
Price:£15 per person
Date:30/11/2024
Time:8:00 am
Duration:4 hours
Availability:3 places remaining
Winter Bird Walk 2 - Hawfinch at Cromford & Crossbill in the Matlock Forest *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 (up to 5 birds were seen last winter) as well as keeping our eyes open for Dipper, Kingfisher & Grey Wagtail on the Derwent. Plenty of other 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 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 (which winter in the UK) amongst the flocks? Raven and Buzzard are likely over the clear-fell areas
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:£15 per person
Date:14/12/2024
Time:8:20 am
Duration:4 hours
Winter Bird Walk 3 - Carsington Water
Description
Possibly the best winter birding spot in the county! This is an easy walk on good level paths and will be suitable for those with mobility issues.
This extensive reservoir has it all with loads of wildfowl including a good chance of scarcer stuff like Whooper Swan, Great Northern Diver and Red Necked 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
An easy walk on good levels paths so should be suitable for those with mobility issues but please bare in mind the duration of the walk. Plenty of facilities with toilets and a café available on the route. Can be cold and open to the elements in places but worth braving the weather for!
Price:£15 per person
Date:19/01/2025
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3-4 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Winter Bird Walk 4 - Attenborough NR
Description
An easy walk on good, level paths around this 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 and Ring Necked Duck) as well as waders like Lapwing and 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 (a Pallas’s warbler turned up a couple of winters ago). There’s a fantastic visitor centre and café on site as well!
Need To Know
An easy walk on good levels paths so should be suitable for those with mobility issues. Plenty of facilities with toilets and a café available on the route. Can be busy but well worth it!
Price:£15 per person
Date:09/02/2025
Time:8:15 am
Duration:3
Availability:5 places remaining