Leave the noise of the world behind...
for an encounter with Nature...
(no special knowledge or equipment needed)
Join me, Simon Corble, as I lead guided walks from the Peak District village of Monyash to listen for birdsong. Along with so much other wildlife, we are blessed with a wide variety of birds here in the Derbyshire Dales and my walk is designed to help you identify and, above all, appreciate their varied calls and beautiful songs, in some of the most peaceful settings that the Peak District National Park has to offer. This includes a short section of the celebrated Lathkill Dale, part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature reserve.
for an encounter with Nature...
(no special knowledge or equipment needed)
Join me, Simon Corble, as I lead guided walks from the Peak District village of Monyash to listen for birdsong. Along with so much other wildlife, we are blessed with a wide variety of birds here in the Derbyshire Dales and my walk is designed to help you identify and, above all, appreciate their varied calls and beautiful songs, in some of the most peaceful settings that the Peak District National Park has to offer. This includes a short section of the celebrated Lathkill Dale, part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature reserve.
All bird photo's are by myself and taken around Monyash and Lathkill Dale
The walk meets at 9am every Sunday and most Wednesdays in April, May and June, on the green, in front of the Old Smithy café, Monyash. DE45 1JH. Monyash is a charming Peak District village, between Bakewell and Buxton, on the 'White Peak' limestone plateau. It has a fascinating, rich and very long history, which is all part of the 'story' on our walk. The experience, by the way, is not aimed at 'the serious birder' - though they would be very welcome to join us - but rather anyone with even a mild curiosity and feeling for the natural world; amphibians, insects, flowers and mammals such as hares, also feature, depending on the month and the route of the walk. Each walk usually serves up something even I am not expecting!
Read the glowing reviews on Tripadvisor for a walker's feel of the trip.
Read the glowing reviews on Tripadvisor for a walker's feel of the trip.
We begin with familiar birds, such as the Thrushes and Finches around the village centre, taking in the beautiful water of Fere Mere. Our village 'pond' (we never call it that!) abounds with wildflowers, dragonflies, attracts all sorts of birds and is home to the busiest toad crossing in Derbyshire, during early April.
We walk on through a mixed woodland, the ancient churchyard, to discover birds such as the Goldcrest, Garden Warbler and Blackcap – also known as ‘The Northern Nightingale’. It’s out into the open fields for Skylarks and, if we are lucky, the bubbling song of the Curlew.
We join a flower-rich green lane and stroll into a small, yet typical White Peak dale. Here, some local specialities nest every Spring, including the stunning Redstart and the tuneful Willow Warbler with its gorgeous, cascading song. (Below, the magical Fere Dale in May, festooned with blossom).
We walk on through a mixed woodland, the ancient churchyard, to discover birds such as the Goldcrest, Garden Warbler and Blackcap – also known as ‘The Northern Nightingale’. It’s out into the open fields for Skylarks and, if we are lucky, the bubbling song of the Curlew.
We join a flower-rich green lane and stroll into a small, yet typical White Peak dale. Here, some local specialities nest every Spring, including the stunning Redstart and the tuneful Willow Warbler with its gorgeous, cascading song. (Below, the magical Fere Dale in May, festooned with blossom).
The walk lasts around two hours, often a little more, at a very easy pace, with plentiful stops in order to listen. The simple enjoyment of birdsong in a very peaceful environment is the main aim, but you will also learn a few tips on identifying birds. During May and June the walk is incredibly rich in wildflowers, butterflies and bees, so some time may be spent admiring orchids, for example, especially as we move into high Summer, when, as we hit July, I rename it a Wildflower Wander...
No prior knowledge or special kit are necessary, other than good walking shoes/boots and I can tailor the route if, for example, stiles are a problem.
The modest charge, payable at the start (I can take cards) is £10 per person, children free. Max. 8 adults, min. 2. (It is often just 2). Advance booking essential. To secure a place, email or message / WhatsApp me: [email protected] / 07930 266218. Also, for my latest news and photographs, check the dedicated facebook page: facebook.com/birdsongwalks
The modest charge, payable at the start (I can take cards) is £10 per person, children free. Max. 8 adults, min. 2. (It is often just 2). Advance booking essential. To secure a place, email or message / WhatsApp me: [email protected] / 07930 266218. Also, for my latest news and photographs, check the dedicated facebook page: facebook.com/birdsongwalks
Walks can also be arranged at other times (so an Evening Walk is possible, for the evening chorus, followed by a good chance of watching Barn Owls hunting) and on other days of the week. I can take groups right through the Summer and on other wildlife-rich routes, according to your wishes. Want to see the fabulous Dipper? Or experience Glow-worms by night? Simply email, text, or give me a call. For private groups, the charge is £15 per person, for a minimum two-hour tour. (Below, a Dipper at the top of the waterfall, Lathkill).
The slideshow below takes you roughly through the stages of the walk and all the amazing wildlife to be found, through Spring into Summer... For more of my local photography visit my Lathkill Dale album on my Flickr stream
