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Very relaxed and enjoyable day spent exploring two sites for wild flowers, particularly orchids, birds and other wildlife we came across, amid beautiful countryside with spectacular views. Mervyn, our guide, was very knowledgeable and generous with his expertise, making for a very informative and interesting day. Highly recommend it.
C.S. Herefordshire, Jul 23
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The Cotswolds - Exploring the Painswick Valley (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR268A day exploring the wildlife-rich grasslands and woodlands around the Painswick Valley in search of orchids, butterflies and birds.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The day will be spent exploring some fabulous unimproved grassland sites and Beech woodlands surrounding the Painswick Valley. Starting the day on Rudge Hill, we will take in the fabulous views out over the Cotswolds towards the town of Painswick and search for a range of orchids, butterflies and birds. Throughout the season, an array of special species can be found here but arguably the site is best known for its helleborines which tend to flower in late June, July and into August though each season can be different with the timings of course. At this site we have a chance to enjoy White, Broad-leaved, Green-flowered, Narrow-lipped and possibly even Violet Helleborine! A range of butterflies may include Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillary while a host of other flowers and plants can be enjoyed including Dyer’s Greenweed, Rest-Harrow, Common Scabious, Lady’s Bedstraw, Fairy Flax, Horseshoe Vetch and Rock-rose to name but a few. Moving into August the final orchid of the season can be found nearby, the Autumn Lady's Tresses, and Chalk Hill Blue butterflies will be on the wing. The day will be split across two sites and after our explorations at Rudge Hill and a drinks stop at the Edgemoor Inn, we will drive the short distance to Painswick Beacon. Here we will enjoy a varied walk in woodland and open grassland, visiting the Iron Age hill fort and taking in the far-reaching views. As we explore we may enjoy Cuckoo, Redstart and Tree Pipit with Skylarks often overhead and Spotted Flycatcher in the woodlands while later in the season in August, Whinchats, Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears pass through. The day will cover a broad range of natural history and across the day we will walk around 6-7 miles with a short drive between the sites. Our meeting point, the Edgemoor Inn, is a classic Cotswold pub and the day will be broken with the chance for refreshments here for those who wish.
- Superb orchids including up to five helleborine species
- Supporting flora includes Dyer’s Greenweed, Lady’s Bedstraw, Fairy Flax and more
- Cuckoo, Redstart and Tree Pipit possible
- Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillary amongst other butterflies
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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It was an exciting day in which we explored this Cotswold Valley and the focus was on Orchids and Butterflies. We were blessed with fine weather but however the weather would have been it would have been an excellent day. Naturetrek are real experts and they employ expert people, who know both their subject and the area to lead. The group was small so we all had access to the leader almost all the time.
M.P. Herefordshire, Jul 21 -
Superb day spent with Duncan Dine, a wonderful guide. The preparation beforehand to enable us to see 7 different species of orchid was tremendous. Duncan’s enthusiasm is infectious, his knowledge base is extensive and his people skills are just great! The Painswick valley is stunningly beautiful, an excellent choice for a day trip.
L.T. Oxfordshire, Jul 21
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 21st May – Thu 21st May
5
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Thu 25th Jun – Thu 25th Jun
FULL
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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