• Telephone: 07989 218860
  • Email: info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

Hawfinch at Cromford & Crossbill in the Matlock Forest – Sunday 28th January

Hawfinch at Cromford & Crossbill in the Matlock Forest – Sunday 28th January 2024

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 have been seen fairly regularly so far this winter) 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 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 – Darwin Forest, Matlock

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 are enjoying a bumper winter in the UK) amongst the flocks? Raven and Buzzard are likely over the clear-fell areas.

Duration: c4 hours

Max group size: 6 people (4 spaces available)

Cost: £20

Location and start time: To be confirmed on booking

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.


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What Our Visitors Say ...

"I had a half-day walk with Antony, hoping to see a Ring Ouzel, and to see Waders in their nesting habitat. I achieved both of these, and saw several other good birds as well, including an owl and several Pied Flycatchers (another first for me). Anthony was not only very knowledgeable but also good company, and I would recommend his walks for anyone who enjoys wildlife but would benefit from some local expertise."
Tim Bucknall - Dorset.
"Antony's guided tour began in Hartington, and included an upland area, Biggin Dale and Wolfscote Dale. This gave us experience of a great variety of habitats, and a chance to see lots of birds, including ravens, rooks, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon, wheatears and stonechats, dippers and wagtails and chiffchaffs. The weather was variable, but Antony made the whole tour really entertaining and informative. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, and birds in particular. Just as important, he is a very friendly and approachable guide, always willing to engage in discussion on any aspect of the area. We felt that, in addition to having a most interesting walk, we came away with really useful advice about how to observe birds on our future walks. The weather improved as we walked along the River Dove, and we were treated to some very special moments of bird observation, aided by Antony's telescope and tripod. We would highly recommend Antony to anyone keen to learn more about local wildlife as part of a most enjoyable walk in Derbyshire."
D & C Longson - Derbyshire.
"My mum and I had a fantastic bespoke walk with Antony around the Brassington area and Rose End Meadows in Cromford. Beautiful scenery, glorious sunshine and a wealth of interesting facts about the flowers, birds, insects and butterflies we met along the way. We had a truly magical time watching a Silver-washed Fritillary dancing and gliding around right in front of us for fifteen minutes. The walk was a birthday present for my mum and Antony took the time to find out what her specific interests and level of knowledge were in advance so that he could plan the route accordingly. He even sent us more information afterwards to confirm a couple of butterfly and dragonfly IDs. Antony really knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is infectious. He also has an unbelievable eye and ear for tiny creatures, plants and sounds that would have passed me by completely. A relaxing, hugely informative and very enjoyable day all round. Many thanks again, Antony!"
L Breakwell - Nottingham.
"Thank you ever so much for the Dawn Chorus experience last Saturday. Even though the weather was terrible we really enjoyed it. We all said would do it again regardless of the weather."
J Tagg - Derbyshire.
"Thoroughly enjoyed two fantastic nature walks with Antony in September 2020. Loved our walk on the Eastern Moors spotting moorland birds and lots and lots of red deer, just starting their rut. Our second walk was an early morning exploration of the very different habitat of the Derwent river and Cromford Canal. Spent ages watching a beautiful pair of dippers dabbling in the river, a streaking Kingfisher and tons of little Grebe diving in the clear water. Antony was an absolutely brilliant guide. He has amazing knowledge about every single species of bird, mammal and lots of plants across the Peak District and knows exactly where to find them. He has such a friendly and welcoming manner that you never feel you're not 'expert' enough and he patiently answers every question. I would thoroughly recommend a nature walk with Antony to get to know the Peak District through the eyes of a wildlife fan! Very best wishes and see you next spring!"
N Marshall - London.
"Antony was not only very knowledgeable about swifts but also provided valuable information to participants on the walks regarding support for the various swift habitats in their neighbourhood. Highly recommended."
D Howson - Derby.
"A great evening watching swifts, and learning about other local wildlife. The leader was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us lots of interesting information about swifts, and how we could help with their conservation. There was plenty of time to ask questions, and the walk was taken at a leisurely pace to enable everyone to keep up and get involved. A lovely evening stroll that everyone seemed to enjoy!"
H Naylor - Derbyshire.

Walking Tours In Derbyshire

  • Walking based wildlife tours in Derbyshire for up to 4 people (walks for larger groups can be arranged).
  • Walks to suit all abilities/fitness’s.
  • Full day, shorter and bespoke walks available.
  • Expert local guide.
  • Prices include use of optics and identification books/charts, a delicious packed lunch (full day walks only) and hot drinks.
  • Transport for up to 4 people available to and from accommodation.
  • 5% of each booking will be donated to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

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Contact Us

Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

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