The Forest of Dean (Day Trip)

Summary

Join Naturetrek Operations Manager and naturalist Tom Mabbett or leaders Marcus John, Dan Watson or Oliver Smart for a day out in the Forest of Dean. This forest is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland, and home to some very special woodland species, whichever time of year you visit.

During the winter months, the forest comes alive with finches and foraging woodland birds. Flocks of Hawfinch can be reliably found, plus Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, Bramblings and Crossbills. It is also an excellent time to see Mandarin Duck and Goosander on the lakes, while Dipper may be seen the year round. During the winter it is often the sheer number of woodland birds that delights with Blue, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits, Nuthatches, Chaffinches and Siskins all possible. Out on the open glades we will keep our eyes to the sky for Goshawks over the forest and most winters at least one Great Grey Shrike winters here, and we will try to find this special bird!

Coming to the spring and summer, species will be returning from Africa to breed here. Highlights of the day may include Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and, more recently, Firecrest has colonised. Hawfinches and Goshawks breed here and are possible to see throughout the year but are more difficult in the spring and summer. Nightjars are also to be found on the open glades (mid-May through July) and for those who wish to stay for the evening to listen for 'churring' and see them displaying, Tom, Dan, Oliver or Marcus will be more than happy to advise exactly where to go, with Woodcock also possible.

Whichever time of year we visit, we will keep our eyes peeled throughout the day for Wild Boar and Fallow Deer which are also likely. The area is superb for dragonflies and butterflies too. We expect to walk around 6 miles during the course of the day, at a very leisurely pace and over easy terrain. There will be some very short drives between sites.

• Flocks of Hawfinch possible in the winter months as well as Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling
• Great Grey Shrike often winters here and will be searched for
• Wild Boar possible throughout the year