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

Summer Wildlife Walks

Summer Wildlife Walks

A fantastic selection of easy group walks aimed at seeing a varied selection of Derbyshire’s stunning Summer wildlife.

Pyramidal Orchid

Pyramidal Orchid – a real beauty!

All of the walks have a maximum group size of six people (bookings are on a first come, first served basis), cost £20 per person and will normally last around 3- 4 hours (except the Locko Park evening walk which will cost £10 per person and last around 2.5 hours). Exact meeting times and places will be confirmed on booking

If you would like to do one of the walks but the date doesn’t suit you please get in touch as I will normally have availability on other dates to run a private guided walk at the same location.

Sunday 16th July – Summer on Derwent Edge

View from Derwent Edge

The view from the top!

We’ll climb up above Ladybower Reservoir to the wonder Derwent Edge where we’ll spend time looking for birds such as Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit and Stonechat (which will all have broods of youngsters on the wing by now) as well as keeping our eyes open for raptors such as Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite and, increasingly, Hobby! As well as birds we’ll be looking out for such fabulous species as Common Lizard as well as Green Tiger & Oil Beetles. Our descent from the edge will take us through an extensive area of Bracken, the favourite haunt of the Whinchat who will be busy feeding their fledged young. We’ll return along the shore of Ladybower itself looking out for family parties of Restart and Common Sandpiper which will soon begin their southerly migration.

Sunday 23rd July – Butterflies & Orchids at Rose End Meadows (Cromford)

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve at Rose End Meadows is a very special place, a series of small walled meadows that have never been treated with any pesticides or fertilizers leaving a botanically rich and varied landscape with Marsh, Common Spotted and Pyramidal Orchids amongst the highlights. Other wildflowers abound with Knapweed, Burnett, Scabious and Trefoils attracting plenty of pollinators including several species of butterfly including Small Copper, Painted Lady, Purple Hairstreak amongst the Oaks and perhaps most notably Dark Green and Silver Washed Fritillaries. Emperor Dragonflies cruise above the small ponds here whilst the woodland edges are patrolled by Southern Hawkers, making this an ideal walk for those that enjoy our summer flowers and insects.

Saturday 12th August – Raptors & Bats at Locko Park (Evening Walk)

Hobby

Hobby (Falco Subbuteo) – these spectacular falcons specialise in hunting hirundines and large insects, often hunting well into the evening (By Andy Morffew, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61980686)

An easy evening stroll on my local patch. Starting an hour or so before sunset we’ll look out for resident raptors such as Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel heading in to roost whilst the local Hobbies will be feeding and hunting well into dusk. Along with raptors we’ll keep an eye open for the plentiful Brown Hare and Fallow Deer that call the estate home. As sunset nears we’ll head down towards the lake with our bat detector, its well wooded surrounds and insect rich waters make this the ideal spot to watch and listen out for bat species with good numbers of Daubentons, Noctule and Common Pipistrelles regularly recorded along with a chance of Tawny and Barn Owl nearby too.

 

Sunday 20th August – Waders & Migration at Carsington Water

Golden Plover at Carsington Water. Autumn 2022

With the business of breeding finished arctic wading birds are on the move with August and September seeing the peak of wader passage in the UK as both adult and juvenile birds make leisurely stop offs on their way South. As an inland and landlocked county Derbyshire doesn’t sound like a migration hot spot but large water bodies such as Carsington can pull in a nice mix of species with the Summer exposed muddy shoreline providing ample feeding opportunities for wading birds. Resident/breeding species such as Oystercatcher, Redshank, Lapwing and Little Ringed Plover will be joined by returning wintering species such as Snipe and Dunlin along with passage birds like Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper with the chance of scarcer birds like Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Knot. Its not just waders, at this time of year the dam wall attracts species such as Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail too and Osprey are a now regular sight on passage. Add in Carsington’s fantastic resident species such as the nationally scarce Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit and it it should be a great walk!

 

 

 

 


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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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