New Year, New List

Date: 13/01/2021
Category: General

New Year, New List

Firstly a (slightly belated) Happy New Year to you all!

I think it’s fair to say that in January last year, when we first started Natural Derbyshire Tours, we weren’t expecting the rollercoaster year we experienced in 2020. Starting a new business is always a bit of a leap into the unknown, but throw in a global pandemic and all the necessary lockdowns and restrictions then it’s been challenging to say the least!

Ten months since most of us first heard the words ‘Covid-19’ we start 2021 with a new national lockdown in place. Something none of us could have expected or wanted but something which is absolutely necessary to save lives and protect our loved ones.

At Natural Derbyshire Tours we’re in good shape (well apart from a few extra Christmas pounds!) and fully intend to be guiding you around our beautiful county as soon as we’re allowed. Until then we’ll obey the rules, weather the storm and we’ll be striding out in the Spring sunshine before you know it!

Even small areas of water like the ponds on my local park can attract a surprising number of species

With the emphasis on staying local and outdoor time restricted, a local bird watching group on facebook has started a ‘2K challenge’ (basically recording as many species as you can find within 2 kilometres of your home). Now us birders love a good list (I keep a UK life list, county list and Garden list not to mention those all important year lists) and to say we can be slightly competitive is an understatement, so the number of Derbyshire birders taking up this challenge has been excellent.

My 2K circle is mostly urban and suburban areas of Derby but includes a small section of the River Derwent, a couple of city parks, a large mature/well planted cemetery, a fragment of ancient woodland and a few ‘brownfield’ development sites.

Old and largely abandoned industrial sites like these old railway sidings can be an important refuge for rarer species such as Snipe and Stonechat

On paper, not the most promising but it’s been amazing what I’ve found already – from the 50+ Lapwing that are wintering on a would-be commercial park, the Common Snipe and Stonechat that I’ve found on the abandoned railway sidings and the Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers that haunt the cemetery up the road.

Even for someone with an interest in urban wildlife it’s been a revelation, prompting me to have a fresh look at all those often ignored bits in the hope of finding the unexpected. This wildlife challenge has given me a new focus in this difficult time – fresh air, exercise, birds and learning a lot more about your local area, what’s not to like!

(51 species so far by the way…)

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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info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

New Year, New List

New Year, New List

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