The Forest of Dean - An evening with Nightjars (Day Trip)

Summary

Join us for an exciting evening in the Forest of Dean with a focus on enjoying a very special species – the wonderful Nightjar! Meeting at 6pm we will have time to take a walk through the forest with a chance of finding a range of birds before the Nightjar show begins. We may encounter Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart or possibly even Firecrest and Crossbill, as well as some of the more common woodland species. As we move out onto a more open glade we will look for Stonechats and Tree Pipits and as the light starts to fade, it’s an excellent time for encountering Wild Boar. As the day draws to a close and light levels fall, the heath comes to life with incredible churring Nightjars – a true highlight of a visit here through the summer! We can hope to watch these special birds floating around us, often at close quarters with the males performing a beautifully buoyant wing clapping display flight. Their crepuscular nature really gives the bird a strange, almost ghostly appearance. Woodcock may also be seen “roding” in the low light and when the display has ended, we will make our way back to the car park and look for Wild Boar, Fallow Deer and Tawny Owl as we go. This is sure to be a most memorable and magical evening.

If you require accommodation locally, we recommend the Speech House Hotel which is only around 500m from the meeting point. 

• A magical evening with Nightjar
• A chance of Wild Boar in one of their British strongholds
• Roding Woodcock possible
• Enjoy the varied birdlife of the Forest of Dean
• Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redstart & Spotted Flycatcher all breed here
• Crossbill and Firecrest possible