The Peak District in Spring

The Peak District is one of England’s most scenic and wildlife-rich regions, as well as being the UK’s oldest national park. Its rolling hills, wetlands and wooded valleys are home to a fascinating variety of birds, mammals and other natural history and on this exciting new short break we will explore these iconic upland landscapes in depth.

Our tour will begin in the pretty village of Hathersage – in the valley of the River Derwent – where we will stay for three nights in the comfortable George Hotel. After an introductory talk and an early dinner, we will set out in search of Nightjar, and, with luck, perhaps Long-eared Owl. The following day we will visit the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate, where Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts, Tree Pipits and a host of other summer migrants will be proclaiming their territories in the oak woodlands. In the afternoon we will move to the spectacular Upper Derwent Valley, where we will look for such birds as Siskin, Dipper and Common Crossbill. While here, we will also learn about the area’s human history and links to the famous wartime Dambusters’ raid. Early the next morning, we will offer an optional dawn chorus walk, during which we will hope to find Ring Ouzel, Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher. We will then spend the rest of the day at a series of RSPB reserves in the Dearne Valley, where Bittern, Avocet and a variety of waders and wildfowl breed. Once part of one of Europe’s most polluted industrial wastelands, we will hear the remarkable story of how these reserves were transformed into nationally important habitats for wildlife.

Our final day will be dedicated to the Peak District’s picturesque moors, and the classic upland species that they support, amongst them Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel and Red Grouse, alongside such breeding waders as Dunlin and Golden Plover. We will also hope to see Merlin, whilst mammals could include Red Deer or some of England’s only Mountain Hares. The tour will be led by local naturalist Matthew Capper, who spent eight years with the Peak District Ranger Service and 10 years as RSPB site manager for the Dearne Valley. His superb local expertise will ensure an unforgettable experience and a highly enjoyable tour.