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

Sunday 1st September & Saturday 28th September – Autumn Bird Walks at Carsington & Attenborough

Two easy and accessible bird walks at fantastic wetland sites – all suitable for those with restricted mobility and timed to take advantage of autumn bird migration

Sunday 1st September 2024 – Carsington Waternatural derbyshire tours, ecotourism
Possibly the best all round birding spot in the county! This extensive reservoir has it all with plenty of resident wildfowl including a chance of scarcer stuff on passage like Common Scoter and maybe one of the rarer grebes along with the chance of passage terns and gulls. Autumn sees the return of wintering waders such as Snipe and passage birds like Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Black Tailed Godwit and Ruff joining the resident Redshank, Oystercatcher and Lapwing, and migrating Osprey might join more regular raptors such as Peregrine, Buzzard and Red Kite. Local specialities like the nationally scarce Willow Tit and Tree Sparrow will be visiting the feeders at Millfields and the wildlife centre along with more common species and there is always the chance of migrating passerines on the dam wall with Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail recorded there regularly in Autumn. There are plenty of facilities on site with the chance to grab a hot drink on route!
Saturday 28th September 2024 – Attenborough Nature Reserve (Notts)derbyshire tour
A fantastic and popular birding destination in the Trent valley. This Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve consists of a series of flooded gravel pits and extensive reedbeds. Expect good numbers and a big variety of resident wildfowl such as Grebes and Gadwall as well as passage waders like Dunlin, Green & Common Sandpiper with the chance of something scarcer like Ruff or Black Tailed Godwit. There is a good variety of Heron/Egret species on site with Little Egret, Great Egret and Cattle Egret all regularly recorded. Warblers will be on the move with lots of species fattening up on the abundant insects and blackberries prior to migration and allowing good views and raptors might include a late Hobby hawking Dragonflies over the water.  This extensive site always offers the chance of something rarer too (a Red-Footed Falcon turned up last year). There’s a fantastic visitor centre and café on site as well!
All the walks are on reasonably level, paved or well surfaced tracks that are suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. 
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 . 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.


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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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