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The Peaks at last!

  • Date: 29/05/2020
  • Category: General

The Peaks at last!

Following the slight relaxation of lockdown rules (allowing driving to destinations to take exercise) and with a few days off work I was keen to get back up to the Peak District again and walk a couple of our most popular routes. Having not walked the routes since well before lockdown I’d been slightly worried what I might find both in terms of any practical or access problems that had arisen or changes in habitat that might have potentially affected wildlife sightings. I’m happy to report though that both the walks were great, with no access issues and some brilliant wildlife encounters. I was also pleased to find that, despite the good weather, neither walk was too busy.

On Tuesday the whole family headed up to the White Peak for a classic Limestone Dale route.

Early Purple Orchid

It was lovely to see plenty of Early Purple Orchid still in flower in Biggin Dale as this is one of the highlights of this stunning dry valley and I was concerned they may have finished flowering by now. Tiny Common Blue butterflies were a delight to watch flitting around the sunny open patches on the upper section of the dale.

There was plenty of bird interest too, one wooded section played host to no fewer than six stunning, singing male Redstarts and we watched one bird taking insects to a presumed nest site high up the Dale side amongst a group of Hawthorns and Gorse. Numerous Willow and Garden Warbler were in good voice with the latter giving unusually good views and a male Pied Flycatcher was unexpected and my first record here. It was delightful to watch this diminutive monochrome beauty as it sallied out to take small insects in a shady glade amongst some upland Oaks.

Later on a Dipper showed really well on the Dove at Beresford Dale and we actually managed to watch it take food to (and remove a faecal sack from) it’s well camouflaged nest site. Just brilliant!

Beautiful Wolfescote Dale

A great walk and even though Spring is now ebbing towards Summer there is still plenty to see and enjoy in Derbyshires magical limestone dales!

Thursday saw us make a second visit to the Peaks and this time we were walking one of our Moorland routes. As is often the case with Moorland wildlife it was a case of quality over quantity but what quality!

The view from the top!

We had great views of Willow Warbler, Cuckoo, Kestrel and Stonechat on the way up whilst a single Tree Pipit competed with its Meadow Pipit cousins from a Hawthorn just above the plantation. Best of all was the Ring Ouzel that was carrying a beak full of worms and caterpillars to its nest below the Gritstone edge and the male Whinchat that perched on the unfurling Bracken just yards from the path.
The top of the moor gave breathtaking views and the occasional nosey male Red Grouse whilst the bubbling call of the Curlew was delightful to hear (a sound I’ve not heard since hearing winter birds on the coast!).
On the way down the sandy paths played host to Green Tiger Beetles which skittered away from us and flew off before we could get decentĀ  shots of them, whilst Small Heath Butterflies chased each other over the bracken and grass. When reaching the reservoir and the home straight Common Sandpipers showed really well picking their way along the stony shoreline whilst Swallows hawked insects overhead.

Tawny Owlet – branching out!

And the walk had one last surprise – two noisy, branching Tawny Owlets just above our heads as we neared the finish!

What a great couple of walks and so pleased to get back up into the Peaks and get those routes checked out. We hope to be able to show you the best that the Dales and Moors have to offer very soon!

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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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