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Looking at birds & other wildlife in 2 different habitats - moorland and blanket bog. Involved classic walks with fabulous viewpoints. Excellent leader (Matthew Capper) with vast knowledge not only of the wildlife but also associated topics. We identified many species of birds.
A.G. Staffordshire, Jun 21
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The Peak District's 'Dark Peak' (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR99A day trip birdwatching in the beautiful Peak District National Park, featuring reservoirs, woodlands and the world-famous Pennine Way.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Join naturalist Matthew Capper for a day out in the Dark Peak area of the beautiful Peak District National Park. We have several possible short walks and will choose two or three depending on the time of year and recent sightings and conditions. The day might begin with a range of moorland birds such as Ring Ouzel, Curlew, Whinchat and Wheatear. This might be paired with a short walk on a section of the world-famous Pennine Way. The blanket bog up here holds important populations of Golden Plover and Dunlin, and we may be lucky enough to see Mountain Hare – the only English population is here in the Peak District. Red Grouse should be visible and there could even be a bird of prey such as a Merlin or Short-eared Owl. If there is time, we can take a short drive to one of the nearby woodlands for species such as Pied Flycatcher and Redstart to round off what will hopefully be a great day in the Peaks! Please note that the walks will be ‘there and back’ and there is some fairly steep and rocky terrain at times. We expect to cover about 5 miles during the day.
- Ring Ouzel, Curlew, Whinchat and Wheatear all possible
- Chance to see England's only population of Mountain Hare
- Guided walks along the world-famous Pennine Way, and nearby reservoirs and woodlands
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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This day exploring the Peak District was amazing, as indeed all the ones I have participated in have been. To get close views of Ring Ouzel and other moorland birds in the company of such an expert leader was a privilege. Naturetrek's positive response to the pandemic by setting up these days needs to be applauded. They have been flexible, honest and trustworthy throughout this difficult time. I highly recommend them.
D.L. West Midlands, Jun 21 -
It was an excellent day of bird watching. Despite the weather we saw an amazing variety of birds including the 'Ring Ouzel'. The Ring Ouzel was an especial delight as I have tried for 30 years to see this bird. Matthew spotted one before we had even left the car park. Matthew was knowledgeable not only about the birds but also about the environment and moorland terrain. This was very helpful as it enabled us to better understand the links between land management and the impact various approaches had on wildlife and bird numbers in particular.
S.B. Derbyshire, May 21 -
Expertly led - with vast local knowledge and expertise. Ability to locate and share species present plus provide extensive background information about the environment we were in. I thought I knew the area pretty well but learnt and saw so much.
S.J. Derbyshire, May 21
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 17th Apr – Fri 17th Apr
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
Matthew Capper
Tour Leader: Matthew Capper
Matthew was born in Stamford and has had a lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. He grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep and volunteered on the reserve during his teenage years. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. A varied conservation career has included time with the RSPB managing nature reserves and as Conservation Manager for Yorkshire and the Peak District. He is passionate about connecting people with nature and having previously served on their board of trustees, spent five years as Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. More recently, he took up the post of Conservation Adviser at Doddington Hall estate near Lincoln, helping to manage a flagship rewilding project.
Fri 15th May – Fri 15th May
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
Matthew Capper
Tour Leader: Matthew Capper
Matthew was born in Stamford and has had a lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. He grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep and volunteered on the reserve during his teenage years. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. A varied conservation career has included time with the RSPB managing nature reserves and as Conservation Manager for Yorkshire and the Peak District. He is passionate about connecting people with nature and having previously served on their board of trustees, spent five years as Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. More recently, he took up the post of Conservation Adviser at Doddington Hall estate near Lincoln, helping to manage a flagship rewilding project.
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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