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:1 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:1 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 *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:08/04/2026
Time:6:15 am
Duration:3.5 hours
Crowden Valley 1
Description
This was a new route for us in autumn 2025 and we are really looking forward to re-visiting this stunning valley in NW Derbyshire in spring 2026.
Our target species for this walk include some fantastic upland species such as Pied & Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Stonechat, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Common Lizard, Green Hairstreak and possibly Mountain Hare!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent & descent required on paths that can be wet & muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. No café facilities but toilets are available at the start and end of this route.
Price:£20
Date:12/04/2026
Time:6:45 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
Best of the Dark Peak 1 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
One of our most popular walks with this route taking in the key habitats of the Dark Peak including gritstone edge, open moorland, rough/damp grazing land, hanging Oak woodland and lots of very special wildlife!
Regularly seen species include Common Sandpiper, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Whinchat, Red Grouse, Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Kite, Raven, Golden Plover, Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Lizard, Green Hairstreak, Oil Beetle & Green Tiger Beetle. Previous walks have also encountered Goshawk, Hobby, Merlin, Barn Owl, Weasel & Mountain Hare too!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent (especially at the start) and descent on rough paths which can be wet & muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. No toilet or café facilities are available on this route.
Price:£20
Date:19/04/2026
Time:6:30 am
Duration:5 hours
Best of the White Peak 1
Description
One of our most popular walks with this route taking in the key habitats of the dales of the White Peak area including classic limestone farmland, a craggy dry dale, vulnerable and declining Ash woodland, the stunning crystal clear waters of the River Dove and lots of very special wildlife!
Regularly seen species include Swift, Swallow, Skylark, Curlew, Wheatear, Redstart, Garden Warbler, Linnet, Raven, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine, Spotted Flycatcher, Dipper, Mandarin, Grey Wagtail, Brown Hare, Roe Deer, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and Early Purple Orchid. Previous walks have also encountered Wall Brown, Stoat and Barn Owl too!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent & descent. Some paths can be wet and muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. Toilet facilities will be available at the start and end of the walk as well as the opportunity to get a hot drink or refreshments at the end.
Price:£20
Date:26/04/2026
Time:6:30 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:4 places remaining
Spring at Willington Wetlands 1 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
This is a fantastic Trent Valley site where we stand a great chance of seeing Bittern (it's very likely they bred here last year), Marsh Harrier (they definitely bred here last year) as well as all three Egrets, Kingfisher and a variety of waders with Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper present all year while spring will hopefully bring visitors like Little Ringed Plover and possibly passage birds like Black Tailed Godwit & Ruff too along with the chance of something rarer like a Spoonbill. Spring visits see the lane and reedbeds alive with breeding migrants like Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler & Reed Warbler with up to four scarcer Grasshopper Warblers using the rough grassland here in 2025. Common Tern arrive to fish the rich waters and jostle for nesting room with Black Headed Gulls - will Mediterranean Gull join them this year? Spring also sees Hobby arrive to hunt over the wetlands and we might even encounter that increasingly rare bird - a lowland Cuckoo!
Need To Know
An easy walk on flat ground with some steps to be negotiated up to viewing points. Depending on the weather the paths can be wet or muddy so sensible footwear is a must. There are no toilet or café facilities on site.
Price:£20
Date:29/04/2026
Time:7:45 am
Duration:3 hours
Spring Bird Song Walk @ High Leas Farm (Riber)
Description
Come and celebrate the dawn chorus and the magic of spring birding with an easy, early morning ramble around our exciting regenerative farming project with our experienced guide.
We'll be listening and looking out for some of the amazing bird species that call the farm home, as well as learning more about bird song and getting some tips on how to identify birds by their calls and songs.
At this time of year bird song is at its peak as male birds defend territories and uncoupled birds continue to try to attract mates. At High Leas our year round resident species have been joined by a host of summer visitors with some star turns such as Redstart, Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Cuckoo joining the soundscape and allowing some great views too!
This is an ideal walk for anyone wanting to learn a bit more about bird song and identification or those just wanting to enjoy a lovely stroll in the countryside to a glorious soundtrack.
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 will be available online via the Heartwood SFC website and a link will be added to this walk description when available. In the meantime please express your interest for this walk by sending a message via the 'Join This Walk' button and I will ensure you receive the ticket link as soon as its available
Price:£10
Date:10/05/2026
Time:6:30 am
Duration:2.5 - 3 hours
Availability:8 places remaining
Spring at Willington Wetlands 2 *FULLY BOOKED*
Description
This is a fantastic Trent Valley site where we stand a great chance of seeing Bittern (it's very likely they bred here last year), Marsh Harrier (they definitely bred here last year) as well as all three Egrets, Kingfisher and a variety of waders with Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper present all year while spring will hopefully bring visitors like Little Ringed Plover and possibly passage birds like Black Tailed Godwit & Ruff too along with the chance of something rarer like a Spoonbill. Spring visits see the lane and reedbeds alive with breeding migrants like Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler & Reed Warbler with up to four scarcer Grasshopper Warblers using the rough grassland here in 2025. Common Tern arrive to fish the rich waters and jostle for nesting room with Black Headed Gulls - will Mediterranean Gull join them this year? Spring also sees Hobby arrive to hunt over the wetlands and we might even encounter that increasingly rare bird - a lowland Cuckoo!
Need To Know
An easy walk on flat ground with some steps to be negotiated up to viewing points. Depending on the weather the paths can be wet or muddy so sensible footwear is a must. There are no toilet or café facilities on site.
Price:£20
Date:17/05/2026
Time:7:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Crowden Valley 2
Description
This was a new route for us in autumn 2025 and we are really looking forward to re-visiting this stunning valley in NW Derbyshire in spring 2026.
Our target species for this walk include some fantastic upland species such as Pied & Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Stonechat, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Common Lizard, Green Hairstreak and possibly Mountain Hare!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent & descent required on paths that can be wet & muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. No café facilities but toilets are available at the start and end of this route.
Price:£20
Date:20/05/2026
Time:6:00 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:2 places remaining
Best of the Dark Peak 2
Description
One of our most popular walks with this route taking in the key habitats of the Dark Peak including gritstone edge, open moorland, rough/damp grazing land, hanging Oak woodland and lots of very special wildlife!
Regularly seen species include Common Sandpiper, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Whinchat, Red Grouse, Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Kite, Raven, Golden Plover, Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Lizard, Green Hairstreak, Oil Beetle & Green Tiger Beetle. Previous walks have also encountered Goshawk, Hobby, Merlin, Barn Owl, Weasel & Mountain Hare too!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent (especially at the start) and descent on rough paths which can be wet & muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. No toilet or café facilities are available on this route.
Price:£20
Date:24/05/2026
Time:6:00 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:3 places remaining
Bats, Hares & Owls at Locko Park 1
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 café 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:27/05/2026
Time:8:30 pm
Duration:2 hours
Availability:8 places remaining
Best of the White Peak 2
Description
One of our most popular walks with this route taking in the key habitats of the dales of the White Peak area including classic limestone farmland, a craggy dry dale, vulnerable and declining Ash woodland, the stunning crystal clear waters of the River Dove and lots of very special wildlife!
Regularly seen species include Swift, Swallow, Skylark, Curlew, Wheatear, Redstart, Garden Warbler, Linnet, Raven, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine, Spotted Flycatcher, Dipper, Mandarin, Grey Wagtail, Brown Hare, Roe Deer, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and Early Purple Orchid. Previous walks have also encountered Wall Brown, Stoat and Barn Owl too!
A complete description of this walk can be found on our full day walk page.
Need To Know
Some ascent & descent. Some paths can be wet and muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required though we will be taking our time and stopping often. Toilet facilities will be available at the start and end of the walk as well as the opportunity to get a hot drink or refreshments at the end.
Price:£20
Date:31/05/2026
Time:6:00 am
Duration:5 hours
Availability:5 places remaining
Nightjars Watching Evening 1
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:06/06/2026
Time:9:00 pm
Duration:1.5 hours
Availability:8 places remaining
Nightjars Watching Evening 2
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
Availability:8 places remaining
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:8 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:6 places remaining
Nightjar Watching Evening 3
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
Availability:8 places remaining
Summer Butterfly & Bird Walk @ High Leas Farm (Riber)
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 will be available online via the Heartwood SFC website and a link will be added to this walk description when available. In the meantime please express your interest for this walk by sending a message via the 'Join This Walk' button and I will ensure you receive the ticket link as soon as its available
Price:£10
Date:12/07/2026
Time:9:15 am
Duration:3 hours
Availability:8 places remaining
Bats, Hares & Owls at Locko Park 2
Description
oin 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
his 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
Availability:8 places remaining
Butterflies & Wildflowers @ Rose End Meadows (Cromford)
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
Availability:6 places remaining
