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Smardale Gill, South Cumbria (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR102A day walking through this beautiful landscape in search of a diversity of species including birds, butterflies, mammals and orchids.
£50 (land only)
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Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Join our Naturetrek tour leader as we walk along Smardale Gill, a beautiful landscape where industry, heritage and nature merge perfectly. This nature reserve, managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, is designated a SSSI due to the diversity of rare species that can be found here. Stunning scenery with woodland, river and limestone grassland provides habitats for birds such as Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Dipper, Red Squirrel, Greater Butterfly Orchid and butterflies (in particular Northern Brown Argus in July and Scotch Argus in August).
Smardale retains its beauty and character in autumn, with Red Squirrels actively searching for food as they prepare for winter. Migrating Fieldfares and Redwings arrive to feed on berries adding to resident birds such as Raven, Peregrine, Tree Sparrow and Siskin.
During our walk we will follow the old rail line as we take in the habitats that make Smardale special. We will also walk on hillside paths in search of some of the specialities of the reserve. You can expect to walk approximately 8 miles with plenty of stopping places.
- A good variety of birds including Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Cuckoo, Dipper, Tree Sparrow, Tree Pipit and Raven are possible
- Red Squirrels are another possibility here
- Various species of butterfly depending on timing
- Possible orchids include Greater Butterfly, Chalk Fragrant, Frog, Northern Marsh
Day Trip Location
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Russell Hedley
Russell grew up in the north west of England developing a great passion for wildlife from an early age. He graduated in Animal Conservation from the University of Cumbria in 2007 and then started working in wildlife education giving talks to school groups about Cumbrian wildlife. Later he began providing wildlife education experiences to nurseries, schools and wildlife charities. Over the following years his knowledge and understanding of the UK flora and fauna flourished, alongside a love of sharing the wonders of the natural world with others. Russ has helped wildlife charities such as the Canal and Rivers Trust and the Woodland Trust develop their wildlife education department, and trains volunteers and staff in wildlife identification and public speaking skills.
His enthusiasm for the natural world makes him a valued member of the Naturetrek leader team. Russell’s love of nature began with ornithology but he has now developed into a well-rounded naturalist who not only highlights interesting species but demonstrates how their relationship with other species and environments connect them all to the greater web of life.
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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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
