Forests of the North York Moors (Day Trip)

Summary

Wykeham Forest (Woodland Trust) and Forge Valley National Nature Reserve in the North York Moors National Park are stunningly beautiful and full of wildlife. Our day will be spent exploring the mix of ancient woodland that provide homes for a wide selection of resident and breeding birds and other wildlife. The woods are home to resident Crossbill, Siskin, and Marsh Tit, while Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and breeding warblers such as Willow and Garden Warbler and arrive in late April. Local rivers hold Dipper and Grey Wagtail, and spring migration brings the occasional Pied Flycatcher, Turtle Dove and Wood Warbler passing through.

This area is famous for its raptors: along with the occasional Hobby in summer and more common Kestrel, Peregrine, Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, the forests are some of the best places in the country to see Honey Buzzard and Goshawk, both of which breed here. With patience, we may be lucky enough to see their spectacular displays from Wykeham Forest’s raptor viewpoint. Goshawks are most evident from February until late September and display from late February to the end of May. Honey Buzzard arrives in mid-May and remains until mid-September.

We will also stop in at Wykeham Lakes during the day. This series of gravel workings attracts a range of waterbirds including common duck and geese species, egrets and herons, while the surrounding farmland is good for Red-legged Partridge and Yellow Wagtail in summer. Waders are attracted to the edges of the lake; Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Common Sandpiper all breed, and on good passage days migrants have included Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Avocet, Little Stint, Ruff, Sanderling, and Whimbrel. We’ll scan any flocks carefully since rarities such as Temminck’s Stint and even Spotted Sandpiper have been recorded in the past.

Walking on flat mud and grassy paths; 4 miles of walking.

• Spend time looking for the rare Honey Buzzard and magnificent Goshawk; with good fortune we may witness their breath-taking breeding displays
• Look for migrant and breeding woodland birds of these forests such as Spotted and Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler
• Good for wildfowl, herons, terns and passage waders such as Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, and many others