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    [name] => The Forest of Dean
    [code] => GBR47
    [slug] => the-forest-of-dean
    [description] => 

The Forest of Dean covers an area of about 100 square kilometres and is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland. From our comfortable hotel base in the heart of the forest, we will make daily walks exploring the surrounding trails during the day, and on one evening head out in search of Wild Boar! We will hope to see flocks of Siskin and Redpoll as well as Brambling and one of the stars of the forest - the Hawfinch. Mandarin Duck and Goosander should be present and we’ll also look for Dippers on the rivers.

  • Hawfinch likely
  • Redpoll, Siskin, Crossbill and Brambling all possible
  • Look for declining species such as Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
  • In March, see Goshawks doing territorial displays
  • Birds of prey in the forest including breeding Peregrines 
  • Led by expert naturalist guide

We also offer this holiday in late spring/early summer when the woodlands are home to Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers along with many other species. We’ll look for these and visit a clearing at dusk to look - and listen for - Nightjars. For this holiday please see The Forest of Dean in Spring.

Whichever time of year you choose, this is sure to be a memorable birding break!

[introduction] => A 3-day break focusing on the birdlife and other natural history of the Forest of Dean. [edges] => Array ( ) [locations] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => The United Kingdom [description] =>

From the rolling heaths and woodlands of the New Forest National Park to the extensive wetlands that line the north Norfolk coastline, the varied habitats and landscapes of the British Isles are home to a wealth of exciting wildlife. It is definitely not essential to go abroad when wildlife holidays in Britain offer such diversity!

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Situated in west Gloucestershire, and bordered by the river Wye and the Severn, the Forest of Dean is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland. The forest — a magnificent mix of Oak, Beech, Hornbeam and other species, both deciduous and coniferous — covers an area of over 100 square kilometres and is home to an exciting variety of birds, rare butterflies and other wildlife.

This new short break focuses on the special birds and other natural history of the forest at two contrasting times of the year: winter and spring. We will be based at a comfortable hotel in the heart of the forest, from where we will make daily walks to explore the surrounding trails. Our focus will primarily be on the forest’s special birdlife, though there will be an opportunity to head out after dark one evening to look for the Wild Boar which inhabit these beautiful woodlands — an encounter with one of these impressive mammals is always memorable!

During the winter and in early spring, large flocks of Siskins and Redpolls can often be heard ‘chattering’ amongst rows of Alders, and flocks of Brambling can be found. We will also look for Mandarin Ducks and Goosander on a nearby lake ... and for Dippers on the rivers. We will be hoping, too, to see such sought-after species as Crossbill and Hawfinch, along with such declining species as Willow Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

As well as a comprehensive selection of commoner birds of prey in the forest, there is also a healthy population of Goshawks, which we will look out for in March when they should be displaying high above their territories; nearby, we will also look for breeding Peregrines. At the time of our late spring visit in May, the woodlands are home to both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers and Redstarts among many other species. Firecrests are also now breeding in the forest, and good numbers of Nightjars may be found in clearings — a dusk excursion to listen to the incredible ‘churring’ of the latter is likely to be one of the highlights of this birding break!

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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!

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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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The Forest of Dean

Tour Code: GBR47

A 3-day break focusing on the birdlife and other natural history of the Forest of Dean.

£485

Land Only
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Carbon Footprint

67kg CO2e

With International Flights

66.7kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

Highlights

  • Hawfinch likely
  • Redpoll, Siskin, Crossbill and Brambling all possible
  • Look for declining species such as Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
  • In March, see Goshawks doing territorial displays
  • Birds of prey in the forest including breeding Peregrines 
  • Led by expert naturalist guide
We also offer this holiday in late spring/early summer when the woodlands are home to Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers along with many other species. We’ll look for these and visit a clearing at dusk to look - and listen for - Nightjars. For this holiday please see The Forest of Dean in Spring. Whichever time of year you choose, this is sure to be a memorable birding break!

Summary

Situated in west Gloucestershire, and bordered by the river Wye and the Severn, the Forest of Dean is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland. The forest — a magnificent mix of Oak, Beech, Hornbeam and other species, both deciduous and coniferous — covers an area of over 100 square kilometres and is home to an exciting variety of birds, rare butterflies and other wildlife.

This new short break focuses on the special birds and other natural history of the forest at two contrasting times of the year: winter and spring. We will be based at a comfortable hotel in the heart of the forest, from where we will make daily walks to explore the surrounding trails. Our focus will primarily be on the forest’s special birdlife, though there will be an opportunity to head out after dark one evening to look for the Wild Boar which inhabit these beautiful woodlands — an encounter with one of these impressive mammals is always memorable!

During the winter and in early spring, large flocks of Siskins and Redpolls can often be heard ‘chattering’ amongst rows of Alders, and flocks of Brambling can be found. We will also look for Mandarin Ducks and Goosander on a nearby lake ... and for Dippers on the rivers. We will be hoping, too, to see such sought-after species as Crossbill and Hawfinch, along with such declining species as Willow Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

As well as a comprehensive selection of commoner birds of prey in the forest, there is also a healthy population of Goshawks, which we will look out for in March when they should be displaying high above their territories; nearby, we will also look for breeding Peregrines. At the time of our late spring visit in May, the woodlands are home to both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers and Redstarts among many other species. Firecrests are also now breeding in the forest, and good numbers of Nightjars may be found in clearings — a dusk excursion to listen to the incredible ‘churring’ of the latter is likely to be one of the highlights of this birding break!

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Arrive
Days
2 - 3
Explore the Forest of Dean

What's Included?

Food

Breakfasts and evening meals are included in the holiday cost beginning with the evening meal on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 3. Lunches are not included in the cost of this tour.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel with private facilities throughout.

Reviews

L.D., Nottinghamshire, Mar 25, Mar 2025

A long weekend to explore the Forest of Dean in exceptional March weather. We were up at first light and in the field all day and continued after dinner for evening drives to see the elusive Wild Boar. Superb views of Hawfinch, Firecrest and Goshawk amongst the best highlights. The guide provided was local and excellent.

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Dates & Prices

2027

Land Only

£485

Land Only

£485

2028

Land Only

£495

Land Only

£495

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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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!

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