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

Late Autumn Wildlife Wanders

Late Autumn Wildlife Wanders – Two very different destinations but both rich in seasonal wildlife!

Our events are aimed to make the most of the wildlife on offer as Autumn gives way to Winter – just take a look and get in touch to book your space.

Hares, Owls and Bats at Locko Park – Saturday 12 November 2022

Join me for an easy evening walk on my local patch just outside Derby as we look for some fantastic mammal and bird species.

Following on from out last successful evening foray onto my local patch we’ll be heading out again to share this wonderful site with you.

Autumn Fieldfares at Locko Park

Our October evening walk here gave us great views of hunting Barn Owl, up to three different Little Owls, Brown Hares, Fallow Deer and a brilliant variety of migrant and wintering birds such as Fieldfare, Redwing and Siskin. In the mild conditions we also encountered four species of Bat after dark with Common and Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule and Daubentons Bat active and hunting.

Promises to be another evening to remember!

Need to know

Price: £10 per person

Max group size: 6

Start: 3pm, Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours, Walking/Terrain: Easy 

Carsington Water – Sunday 20th November & Wednesday 23rd November

Carsington is arguably at its best from late Summer to Spring when the sheer number of wildfowl present mean there is always plenty to see, with wintering flocks regularly joined by scarcer species such as Great Northern Diver, Red Necked Grebe and Whooper Swan.

We’ll start our walk at Millfield’s Car Park, whose well stocked bird feeders often attract such nationally scarce species as Willow Tit and Tree Sparrow as well as lots of commoner species, before heading out along the dam wall. The deep water here is great for diving species such as Grebes, Tufted Duck and, in Winter, birds like Goldeneye and Pochard. The dam itself can act like a magnet for passerines with Meadow Pipit and Grey and Pied Wagtails regular and joined by passage species such as Pipits, Wheatear and even a Snow Bunting! The rocky shores near the sailing club can hold good numbers of Lapwing and occasionally other waders. Reaching the area of the visitor centre (the busiest area for human activity) the shallow waters, mud-edged islands and wooded creeks are one of the best areas for passage and wintering and waders which can include Oystercatcher, Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff and Dunlin with birds like the tiny, cryptic Jack Snipe and Woodcock regularly wintering here. The area is also great for wildfowl including Carsington’s very own flock of feral Barnacle Geese and wintering Pintails. All this activity can attract predators with raptors including Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine, whilst migrating Osprey can occasionally be found in Spring and Autumn. We’ll spend plenty of time here before heading back to Millfield’s looking to pick up any notable species we may have missed.

Need to know

Price: £15 per person

Max group size: 6

Start: TBC – but likely early morning to avoid the crowds, Duration: 3-4 hours, Walking/Terrain: Easy, fully accessible and suitable for wheelchair users 


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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.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

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