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:1 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:5 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:5 places remaining
Rutting Red Deer on the Eastern Moors 1 *FULLY BOOKED*
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
Rutting Red Deer on the Eastern Moors 2 *FULLY BOOKED*
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
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:4 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:3 places remaining
Hawfinch & Crossbill Walk 1
Description
Our annual two-stop winter jaunt looking for two of the county's most enigmatic bird species - Hawfinch & Crossbill.
Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed our success rate has been very good so far with the welcome additional sightings of Dipper, Kingfisher, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Raven & raptors (including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & even Goshawk) all possible. We've even spotted flyover Pink-Footed Geese and Whooper Swans on more than one occasion!
Need To Know
Parking is by pay & display at the first stop and it will be a short drive (in convoy) to the second site. There are currently no operational toilet facilities at either site. The walk is on level ground but the footpaths can be muddy and slippery at this time of year. Some standing and waiting for birds to appear is expected - so warm, waterproof clothing is an absolute necessity.
Price:£20
Date:02/12/2026
Time:7:45 am
Duration:3 - 4 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Hawfinch & Crossbill Walk 2
Description
Our annual two-stop winter jaunt looking for two of the county's most enigmatic bird species - Hawfinch & Crossbill.
Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed our success rate has been very good so far with the welcome additional sightings of Dipper, Kingfisher, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Raven & raptors (including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & even Goshawk) all possible. We've even spotted flyover Pink-Footed Geese and Whooper Swans on more than one occasion!
Need To Know
Parking is by pay & display at the first stop and it will be a short drive (in convoy) to the second site. There are currently no operational toilet facilities at either site. The walk is on level ground but the footpaths can be muddy and slippery at this time of year. Some standing and waiting for birds to appear is expected - so warm, waterproof clothing is an absolute necessity
Price:£20
Date:13/12/2026
Time:8:00 am
Duration:3 - 4 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
Winter Wetlands - Carsington
Description
Easy walks at three excellent local wetland sites looking for wintering wildfowl such as Goldeneye, Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Pintail as well as wintering waders such as Snipe & Lapwing and herons/egrets that might include Bittern, Cattle Egret & Great Egret. Rarer species recorded on these walks in recent winters have included Willow Tit, Marsh Harrier, Great Northern Diver, Smew, Ring Necked Duck, Slavonian & Red Necked Grebe, Scaup & Jack Snipe.
Carsington Water is a great site for open water species such as Goldeneye, Pintail & Pochard as well as wintering Divers such as Great Northern & Red-Throated and rarer Grebes and is also one of the best places to track down the increasingly rare Willow Tit!
An easy and accessible walk on good level paths which may suit people with restricted mobility - though please be aware of the distance (2-3 miles) and the walking time involved.
Need To Know
You will need to pay for parking on return to your vehicle (parking is by number plate recognition) and it will cost around £4. Toilet facilities will be available at Millfields and the visitor centre with the possibility of café facilities being open at the visitors centre so we can grab a hot drink. Please dress warmly and appropriately for the weather conditions
Price:£20
Date:10/01/2027
Time:8:00 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Hawfinch & Crossbill Walk 3
Description
Our annual two-stop winter jaunt looking for two of the county's most enigmatic bird species - Hawfinch & Crossbill.
Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed our success rate has been very good so far with the welcome additional sightings of Dipper, Kingfisher, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Raven & raptors (including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & even Goshawk) all possible. We've even spotted flyover Pink-Footed Geese and Whooper Swans on more than one occasion!
Need To Know
Parking is by pay & display at the first stop and it will be a short drive (in convoy) to the second site. There are currently no operational toilet facilities at either site. The walk is on level ground but the footpaths can be muddy and slippery at this time of year. Some standing and waiting for birds to appear is expected - so warm, waterproof clothing is an absolute necessity
Price:£20
Date:17/01/2027
Time:8:00 am
Duration:3 - 4 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Winter Wetlands - Attenborough NR
Description
Easy walks at three excellent local wetland sites looking for wintering wildfowl such as Goldeneye, Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Pintail as well as wintering waders such as Snipe & Lapwing and herons/egrets that might include Bittern, Cattle Egret & Great Egret. Rarer species recorded on these walks in recent winters have included Willow Tit, Marsh Harrier, Great Northern Diver, Smew, Ring Necked Duck, Slavonian & Red Necked Grebe, Scaup & Jack Snipe.
Attenborough NR is a great all-round wetland site with plenty of open water species such as Goldeneye, Pochard, Wigeon, Shoveler & Teal it often holds scarcer species such as Scaup, Smew & Slavonian Grebe too. With its shallower areas and extensive reedbeds you can expect Egrets, Herons and wintering waders such as Snipe as well as rarer gulls like Caspian and Yellow-Legged Gull.
An easy and accessible walk on good level paths which may suit people with restricted mobility - though please be aware of the distance (c2.5 miles) and the walking time involved
Need To Know
You will need to pay for parking on return to your vehicle (parking is by number plate recognition) and it will cost around £4. Toilet & café facilities will be available at the visitor centre at the end of our walk. Please dress warmly and appropriately for the weather conditions
Price:£20
Date:24/01/2027
Time:8:00 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Winter Wetlands - Willington Wetlands
Description
Easy walks at three excellent local wetland sites looking for wintering wildfowl such as Goldeneye, Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Pintail as well as wintering waders such as Snipe & Lapwing and herons/egrets that might include Bittern, Cattle Egret & Great Egret. Rarer species recorded on these walks in recent winters have included Willow Tit, Marsh Harrier, Great Northern Diver, Smew, Ring Necked Duck, Slavonian & Red Necked Grebe, Scaup & Jack Snipe.
Willington Wetlands is quickly becoming the county's premier wetland site - with its open water providing a refuge for wildfowl such as Pintail & Goldeneye as well as the chance of rarer geese like White-Fronted Geese and Tundra Bean Geese. With its extensive reedbeds it offers a great chance of spotting the secretive Bittern and all 3 Egret species whilst Marsh Harrier and Red Kite are likely. We may even catch a glimpse of the newly introduced White Storks.
Need To Know
Whilst the walk is on level ground the paths can be extremely wet and muddy so wellingtons may be required. Willington is also prone to flooding in the winter months so postponement or cancellation at relatively short notice may be a possibility. There are no toilet or café facilities on site.
Price:£20
Date:07/02/2027
Time:7:45 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Best of North Notts 1
Description
Our regular two-stop late winter/early spring jaunt into North Notts where we will visit Sherwood Forest & Budby Heath & the Dukeries to find some of the iconic bird species these areas hold
Our visit is timed to get the best chance of locating the increasingly rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Sherwood Forest and enjoy the beautiful song and display flights of early breeding Woodlarks on the heath. Other highlights often include Marsh Tit, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker & wintering Stonechat.
Then it's off to a 2nd location in the Dukeries where its all about raptors - with an excellent chance of displaying Goshawk, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & Buzzard as well as the possibility of Hawfinch nearby!
Need To Know
There will be a short drive between our first and second location and we will car share to make parking easier at the second site.
Paths can be wet and muddy at this time of year so sensible footwear is highly recommended. Depending on timings toilet & café facilities may be available at Sherwood before departing to our second location
Price:£20
Date:21/02/2027
Time:7:15 am
Duration:4 - 5 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Raptors in the Upper Derwent Valley
Description
Our annual wander in the Upper Derwent Valley - we'll be on the lookout for Goshawk and other raptors on this easy walk with last year's walks recording both accipiter species, Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel. We'll also keep an eye out for migrants & winter visitors too like Whooper Swan, Pink Footed Goose, Fieldfare, Crossbill & possibly Brambling
Need To Know
Parking is by pay & display at Fairholmes visitor centre where there will be toilet facilities available and takeaway café facilities available on our return. There will be steps to negotiate at Derwent dam at the start and end of the walk after which the walk will be on level, gravel track. Can be cold and windy so dress appropriately for the conditions. A very wet forecast may lead to a postponement or cancellation.
Price:£20
Date:28/02/2027
Time:8:30 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:6 places remaining
Best of North Notts 2
Description
Our regular two-stop late winter/early spring jaunt into North Notts where we will visit Sherwood Forest & Budby Heath & the Dukeries to find some of the iconic bird species these areas hold.
Our visit is timed to get the best chance of locating the increasingly rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Sherwood Forest and enjoy the beautiful song and display flights of early breeding Woodlarks on the heath. Other highlights often include Marsh Tit, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker & wintering Stonechat.
Then it's off to a 2nd location in the Dukeries where its all about raptors - with an excellent chance of displaying Goshawk, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & Buzzard as well as the possibility of Hawfinch nearby!
Need To Know
There will be a short drive between our first and second location and we will car share to make parking easier at the second site.
Paths can be wet and muddy at this time of year so sensible footwear is highly recommended. Depending on timings toilet & café facilities may be available at Sherwood before departing to our second location
Price:£20
Date:07/03/2027
Time:7:15 am
Duration:4 - 5 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
