Introduction to Bird Watching Course

3 week course on the ‘Introduction to Birdwatching’.

Sundays 9th, 16th & 23rd October 2022, 8.30am – 11.30am

Situated in the Lower Derwent Valley this section of the Land of Oak & Iron is a mixed landscape of woodland, meadows, riverside and historic monuments.

Local ornithologist and naturalist Michael Turner will deliver this detailed course based on three field trips into the Lower Derwent Valley.  Each session will begin and end at the Heritage Centre, Winlaton Mill.

We will visit and explore a range of different habitats including woodland, farmland, river and wetland to learn about the different bird species. We will also visit the bird hides at Far Pastures and Thornley Woodlands.

The course will cover the following:

Bird identification, both by sight and sound

Bird behaviour and structure

Migration

Fieldcraft

Equipment, binoculars, telescopes and field guides.

Information on national and local bird clubs and societies. How to partake in bird surveys.

Each session will begin with an overview of that day’s field trip and end with an informal Q&A and discussion over tea or coffee.

The average distance walked on each session will be about 2 miles.  Footpaths will vary from flat paths to steep woodland tracks and steps.  Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear, waterproofs may be necessary depending on the weather.  Sorry, no dogs please.

Tickets £47.50 per person for the 3 week course and includes a tea/coffee at each session.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL.