Nightjars Watching Evening 2 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Join me for an exciting evening adventure as we go looking for one of the UK’s most fascinating bird species – the Nightjar! This cryptically coloured migrant returns to the UK in May and spends its days sat perfectly camouflaged on the floor of its heathland or clear-fell home before coming alive after sunset where its strange mechanical churring song, delivered from a perch, is often clearly audible. Previous walks have seen us get amazing views of this nocturnal specialist as they hunted for their favourite moth prey and patrolled their territory (their flight often betrayed by their calls and the gleaming white wing patches of the males). With multiple birds flying around us and landing nearby at times these were truly memorable encounters! Its not just Nightjars we’ll be hoping to see as we’ll look for other nocturnal species such as roding (displaying) Woodcock, owls and bats whilst we wait. Previous walks also enjoyed good views of Goshawk, Hobby, Curlew, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Swift and Roe Deer too!
Need To Know
There are no café or toilet facilities on site. Please dress appropriately for the weather - long sleeves, trousers and a head covering are recommended as we will be standing in clear-fell/forest at night which might mean biting insects.
Price:£10
Date:17/06/2026
Time:9:00 pm
Duration:1.5 hours
Bats on the Cromford canal
Description
Join me for an easy amble along the Cromford canal as we look for the various bat species that call this famous old waterway home!
Before dark we'll make a quick visit to the nearby River Derwent where we will hope to catch the local Dipper pair and possibly spot a Kingfisher or Grey Wagtail. We'll then head down the canal hoping to hear a 'plop' and possibly catch a glimpse of one of the Water Voles that can be found here before, as darkness falls, we'll turn on our bat detectors and enjoy the sight and sound of these wonderful winged mammals feeding on the canals plentiful insect life. Our walk here last year saw us get great views of Noctule, Daubenton's & Pipistrelle,
Need To Know
This walk is mostly on well paved paths throughout and should suit those with limited mobility. Please dress appropriately for the weather - long sleeves and trousers are recommended as we will be standing by water at night which might mean biting insects. I will have a couple of bat detectors to use but please bring your own if you have one.
Price:£10
Date:20/06/2026
Time:8:30 pm
Duration:2 hours
Availability:7 places remaining
Butterflies & Orchids at Darley & Nutwood LNR (Derby)
Description
Darley & Nutwood LNR is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Derby. We'll start our walk in historic Darley Abbey village where we will head up the River Derwent hoping to spot the likes of Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Goosander as well as looking for the Swifts & House Martins that nest in some of the old mill buildings. Reaching Darley & Nutwood LNR we will spend time looking for some of the beautiful orchid species that can be found here such as Pyramidal Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Bee Orchid & Marsh Orchid. Butterflies can include Common Blue, Small Copper, Painted Lady, Gatekeeper and plenty of other grassland species whilst the scrubby areas are excellent for warblers with Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler & Blackcap all likely with great views of Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Sand Martin & a variety of finches likely
Need To Know
There are no toilet & café facilities on this route. The paths at Darley & Nutwood can be uneven and possibly muddy (depending on conditions). Long sleeves & long trousers are recommended as we will be spending a lot of time in grassland that might be home to biting insects
Price:£15
Date:21/06/2026
Time:7:00 am
Duration:2.5
Availability:4 places remaining
Nightjar Watching Evening 3 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Join me for an exciting evening adventure as we go looking for one of the UK’s most fascinating bird species – the Nightjar! This cryptically coloured migrant returns to the UK in May and spends its days sat perfectly camouflaged on the floor of its heathland or clear-fell home before coming alive after sunset where its strange mechanical churring song, delivered from a perch, is often clearly audible. Previous walks have seen us get amazing views of this nocturnal specialist as they hunted for their favourite moth prey and patrolled their territory (their flight often betrayed by their calls and the gleaming white wing patches of the males). With multiple birds flying around us and landing nearby at times these were truly memorable encounters! Its not just Nightjars we’ll be hoping to see as we’ll look for other nocturnal species such as roding (displaying) Woodcock, owls and bats whilst we wait. Previous walks also enjoyed good views of Goshawk, Hobby, Curlew, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Swift and Roe Deer too!
Need To Know
There are no café or toilet facilities on site. Please dress appropriately for the weather - long sleeves, trousers and a head covering are recommended as we will be standing in clear-fell/forest at night which might mean biting insects.
Price:£10
Date:11/07/2026
Time:9:00 pm
Duration:1.5
Summer Butterfly & Bird Walk @ High Leas Farm (Riber) *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Come and join for a summer wander around our wildflower rich meadows as we look for many butterflies that call the farm home.
Our guided butterfly walks over the last few years have seen us enjoy brilliant views of several stunning species including Dark-Green Fritillary, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Small & Large Skippers, migrant Painted Ladies and good numbers of Small Copper amongst lots of commoner butterflies such as Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Red Admiral and Ringlet.
Whilst keeping our eyes open for butterflies we will also be looking for the fantastic range of bird life that use the farm. Both our resident and migrant species will be coming to the end of their breeding seasons with the latter, including our stunning Redstarts and Flycatchers, feeding young and fattening up themselves ready for the southward migration in early Autumn. Young raptors will be on the wing by now too, their noisy food begging betraying the presence in the woods and hedgerows and with a bit of luck we may see four or five species during our walk.
We’ll be walking at the fabulous High Leas Farm, Riber – this exciting regenerative farming hub with its fantastic mix of woodland, grassland, hedgerows and scrub is the perfect place to enjoy a great variety of butterfly and bird life.
See 'Need To Know' for how to book
Need To Know
Please bring any drinks or snacks you think you may need. Dress for the weather and a day outdoors and wear sensible shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Tickets are available online via the Heartwood SFC website via the following link that you can cut and paste into your browser. Alternatively click the 'Join this Walk' button, fill out the form and I will send the link to you directly:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heartwood/2107791
Price:£10
Date:12/07/2026
Time:9:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Bats, Hares & Owls at Locko Park 2 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Join me for an accessible evening stroll on my local patch.
We’ll start the evening tracking down the local bird species that call this area home and as the evening draws on we’ll watch the antics of the local Brown Hares as well as looking out for Hobby which hunt in the area to well after sunset. As the sun goes down we’ll seek out the three resident species of Owl (Barn Owl, Little Owl & Tawny Owl), before, detector in hand, we head back to the lake and turn our attention to finding the different species of bat that use the area (I have recorded Noctule, Common & Soprano Pipistrelles, Brown Long Eared and Daubenton's here).
Need To Know
This walk is on well paved tracks throughout and, with just one gentle hill to negotiate, will suit those with limited mobility. There are no cafe or toilet facilities on site. Please dress appropriately for the weather - long sleeves and trousers are recommended as we will be standing by water at night which might mean biting insects. I will have a couple of bat detectors to use but please bring your own if you have one.
Price:£10
Date:14/07/2026
Time:8:30 pm
Duration:2 hours
Butterflies & Wildflowers @ Rose End Meadows (Cromford) *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Rose End Meadows in Cromford is a very special place - a series of small traditionally managed meadows that have never been treated with fertilisers or pesticides that are now a wonderfully rich nature reserve that includes a network of scrub, grassland and ponds separated by mature hedgerows and lichen clad dry stone walls.
Rose End Meadows is home to several orchid species with Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Common Twayblade and Bee Orchid all recorded regularly and its wildflower rich grasslands are a haven for insects including many species of butterfly which we will enjoy spotting on our walk with Common Blue, Painted Lady, Wall Brown and even Silver Washed Fritillary all seen on previous outings.
The birds can be pretty good too with both Swift and Swallow feeding overhead while a variety of warblers such as Willow Warbler & Garden Warbler breed along with a good chance of seeing Spotted Flycatcher and possibly even Redstart. Peregrine breed nearby and can often be seen moving over,
Need To Know
There are no toilet & café facilities on this route. The paths at Rose End Meadows can be uneven and possibly muddy (depending on conditions). Long sleeves & long trousers are recommended as we will be spending a lot of time in grassland that might be home to biting insects
Price:£15
Date:19/07/2026
Time:7:30 am
Duration:2.5 - 3 hours
Carsington Water
Description
Carsington Water is the Derbyshire's largest water body and the range of habitats around the shoreline means it is a great place to go birding throughout the year with some rare resident species such as Willow Tit and some stunning summer visitors such as Redstart & Spotted Flycatcher.
We've timed our walk to take place at the peak time for wader passage where we hope that the exposed muddy shorelines will entice in the likes of Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover and Ruff. Add to this a good selection of raptors with the increasing chance of a passage Osprey lingering at this rich fishing ground and you have all the ingredients of a top birding day!
Need To Know
An easy walk on flat, well paved or gravelled paths this walk may suit those with restricted mobility. Toilet facilities are available Millfields car park at the start (and the end_ of the walk and at the visitor centre where we will have the opportunity to grab a hot drink (or ice cream) later in the walk. Can be exposed and windy, especially along the dam wall.
Price:£20
Date:09/08/2026
Time:8:00 am
Duration:3 - 4 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
Attenborough NR *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve - this fabulous wetland site in the Trent Valley has something for everyone. These old gravel pits are now a fantastic home for a great variety of wildlife from breeding water birds to the numerous warbler species that call the areas of scrub and hedgerow home for summer, the several species of dragonfly the patrol the paths for insects to the secretive Otters that enjoy the rich fishing here.
There is a great selection of wetland birds present all year round with Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Caspian Gull and Kingfisher all regular and with the walk timed for the peak return wader passage we'll be hoping to add the likes of Green Sandpiper, Black tailed Godwit, Ruff & Dunlin to the already regular sightings of Lapwing, Oystercatcher & Snipe. In late summer all three species of Egret are a possibility and Hobby start to gather to feed on the bountiful insects prior to their return to Africa
Need To Know
An easy walk on mostly flat, well paved or gravelled paths - this walk may suit those with restricted mobility though occasional stretches can be muddy and uneven. Toilets and café facilities are available at the visitors centre, though please note these will not be available until the end of the walk
Price:£20
Date:16/08/2026
Time:7:00 am
Duration:3 hours
Crowden Valley
Description
With the heather in flower and unparalleled upland views, a late summer walk in this stunning southern Pennine valley is always an absolute joy but add in some stunning wildlife and you'll have plenty of reasons to join us in this fantastic location.
Last years walk here at the same time of year saw us get fab views of several Ring Ouzel as they gathered to feed on the abundant Rowan berries before their migration back to the Atlas mountains. We also enjoyed great views of Wheatear, Whinchat and Stonechat while resident Peregrine & Kestrel are always likely along with Buzzard, increasing numbers of Red Kite and the occasional Merlin & Short-Eared Owl.
Need To Know
This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness. Some sections of the path can be boggy and slippery. There are some relatively steep sections of ascent and descent but we will be taking it slowly so these shouldn't be problematic. There are no café facilities on this walk and whilst toilets are available near the car park they may not be open until our return.
Price:£20
Date:30/08/2026
Time:7:00 am
Duration:4 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
Willington Wetlands
Description
Following on from our two fully booked spring walks we will be back at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve in early autumn.
This fantastic wetland site seems to just get better and better and our previous walks here have turned up some fantastic bird species with Bittern, Kingfisher and Marsh Harrier amongst the regularly seen stars! Early September is a great time to visit with passage waders very much on the menu - Green Sandpiper, Black tailed Godwit, Ruff and Dunlin are all possible with the chance of rarer birds like Knot, Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpiper. Autumn sees an increase in Egrets & Herons using the site with a good chance of Great, Cattle & Little Egrets as well as something rarer like Spoonbill or Glossy Ibis! A variety of warblers and hirundines will be busy feeding up prior to their departure and early September is possibly the best time to catch Hobbies here, with a mixture of adults and recently fledged juveniles catching Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers over the water.
Need To Know
An easy walk on mostly flat terrain - please note however that many sections of the path can be wet and muddy so wellies may be required (depending on rain fall leading up to the walk). Some sections of path can be overgrown so long trousers are essential. There are no café or toilet facilities available
Price:£20
Date:06/09/2026
Time:7:00 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Locko Park
Description
This private estate on the edge of Derby is a fantastic year round site for both mammals and birds with September being a great month to visit.
We'll start our walk with a visit to the arable farmland that borders the 'park' where we'll be searching for the good numbers of Brown Hare that call the area home. We'll also be on the look out for some rarer farmland bird species like Grey Partridge, Skylark, Linnet and Yellowhammer that retain a fragile presence here.
Venturing into park itself we'll look for more Brown Hare as well as the good numbers of Fallow Deer that are present. September is the start of the Fallow Deer rut and is a great month to look and listen out for them - we might even find a noisy Fallow Buck holding territory. There will be plenty of good bird species on offer too with parkland species such as Great Spotted & Green Woodpecker, Jay, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch & Treecreeper all common while the lake should provide us with Great Crested Grebe, Mandarin and Grey Wagtail with Kingfisher likely. September is also the best time of year for passage migrants here with Spotted Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat and Wheatear all possible.
Need To Know
A relatively easy walk on well paved paths although there will be some walking on field edge paths to begin with that may be muddy or slippery. No café or toilet facilities on site
Price:£15
Date:16/09/2026
Time:7:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Crossbills in the Matlock Forest
Description
A short walk in the Matlock Forest on the lookout for one of our most enigmatic bird species - the Crossbill
Few birds are so tied to one type of habitat as the Common (or Red) Crossbill is to conifer plantations where its unique bill is perfectly adapted to open and feed on conifer cones. September sees these chunky, attractive finches at their most gregarious and social with flocks of 30 or 40 birds possible (depending on cone availability) where they a delight to watch feeding from the tops of Sitka spruces or dropping down to drink from a puddle in a woodland ride.
As well as Crossbill we'll be looking out for likes of Siskin, Redpoll, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Buzzard with the chance of Goshawk too! Roe Deer are a common sight.
Need To Know
Footpaths can be wet and muddy. No toilet or café facilities available
Price:£10
Date:11/10/2026
Time:8:00 am
Duration:2 hour
Availability:4 places remaining
Rutting Red Deer on the Eastern Moors 1
Description
A mainstay of our guiding calendar - our popular Red Deer walking safaris return for their sixth year!
We will visit the stunning Curbar and White edges with their spectacular vistas and their views over Big Moor where we’ll hopefully find our target animal – Red Deer!
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. Previous walks have seen us get great views of these impressive animals as they roar, parallel walk and even occasionally fight for the right to breed with the 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.
Promises to be an action packed visit with fabulous photo opportunities.
Need To Know
Some ascent and descent but mostly on well established paths that can be muddy in places. Can be cold and windy so wrap up warm!
Price:£20
Date:18/10/2026
Time:7:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
Rutting Red Deer on the Eastern Moors 2
Description
A mainstay of our guiding calendar - our popular Red Deer walking safaris return for their sixth year!
We will visit the stunning Curbar and White edges with their spectacular vistas and their views over Big Moor where we’ll hopefully find our target animal – Red Deer!
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. Previous walks have seen us get great views of these impressive animals as they roar, parallel walk and even occasionally fight for the right to breed with the 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.
Promises to be an action packed visit with fabulous photo opportunities.
Need To Know
Some ascent and descent but mostly on well established paths that can be muddy in places. Can be cold and windy so wrap up warm!
Price:£20
Date:21/10/2026
Time:7:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Autumn in the Upper Derwent Valley
Description
An easy and varied autumn walk looking for migrating birds in the stunning Upper Derwent Valley.
By October autumn migration will be in full swing and the Upper Derwent Valley is a great place to encounter some of our winter visitors as they arrive. The woods and plantations should produce good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare along with migrant Blackbirds and a good variety of finch species with Siskin, Redpoll and Crossbill all likely along with the chance of encountering the first Brambling of the autumn. On the water there is a good chance of Whooper Swan along with incoming wildfowl such as Teal and Wigeon, while Pink Footed Goose moving over the peaks are becoming an increasingly common sight in autumn. A spot of raptor watching is always on the cards here with Buzzard the most likely species with regular sightings of Kestrel & Sparrowhawk and the possibility of Goshawk and Peregrine.
Need To Know
Some relatively steep ascent by steps near the start of the walk. Toilets and take away café facilities are available at the parking location (Fairholmes visitor centre)
Price:£20
Date:25/10/2026
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Autumn Visible Migration Bird Walk @ High Leas Farm (Riber)
Description
Come and join us for an early morning visible bird migration session followed by an easy bird walk around the farm to enjoy the birdy delights of this wonderful season.
Perched on a hillside looking out onto beautiful valley that runs north - south makes High Leas the ideal place to indulge in a bit of 'vis-mig' watching. Autumn sees many bird species heading south allowing us to enjoy the wonders of migration in full swing.
By November pulses of winter Thrushes (Redwing, Fieldfare & migrant Blackbirds) will be heading south (with many stopping to feed on the farm's berry rich hedge and copses). November is also the best time to see the mass migration of Woodpigeon and is a great time to see Finches on the move - will we spot Crossbills? Redpolls? Or maybe the first Brambling of the autumn? There is always the chance of something bigger moving over with both Pink Footed Goose and Whooper Swan recorded during these sessions.
We'll follow up with a gentle walk around the woods and fields of the farm and see the many species that call this special place home, with autumn the best time to encounter some iconic woodland birds like the Jay, and enjoy the variety of finches that feed in the seed rich grassland with good numbers of Bullfinch a speciality here.
See 'Need To Know' for how to book this walk
Need To Know
Please bring any drinks or snacks you think you may need. Dress for the weather and a day outdoors and wear sensible shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Tickets are available online via the Heartwood SFC website via the following link that you can cut and paste into your browser. Alternatively click the 'Join this Walk' button, fill out the form and I will send the link to you directly:
https://www.heartwoodsfc.com/coursesandworkshops.html
Price:£10
Date:08/11/2026
Time:7:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:8 places remaining
