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    [name] => The Forest of Dean (Day Trip)
    [code] => GBR82
    [slug] => the-forest-of-dean-day-trip
    [description] => 

Join Naturetrek Operations Manager and naturalist Tom Mabbett or leaders Marcus John, Dan Watson or Oliver Smart for a day out in the Forest of Dean. This forest is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland, and home to some very special woodland species, whichever time of year you visit.

During the winter months, the forest comes alive with finches and foraging woodland birds. Flocks of Hawfinch can be reliably found, plus Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, Bramblings and Crossbills. It is also an excellent time to see Mandarin Duck and Goosander on the lakes, while Dipper may be seen the year round. During the winter it is often the sheer number of woodland birds that delights with Blue, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits, Nuthatches, Chaffinches and Siskins all possible. Out on the open glades we will keep our eyes to the sky for Goshawks over the forest and most winters at least one Great Grey Shrike winters here, and we will try to find this special bird!

Coming to the spring and summer, species will be returning from Africa to breed here. Highlights of the day may include Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and, more recently, Firecrest has colonised. Hawfinches and Goshawks breed here and are possible to see throughout the year but are more difficult in the spring and summer. Nightjars are also to be found on the open glades (mid-May through July) and for those who wish to stay for the evening to listen for 'churring' and see them displaying, Tom, Dan, Oliver or Marcus will be more than happy to advise exactly where to go, with Woodcock also possible.

Whichever time of year we visit, we will keep our eyes peeled throughout the day for Wild Boar and Fallow Deer which are also likely. The area is superb for dragonflies and butterflies too. We expect to walk around 6 miles during the course of the day, at a very leisurely pace and over easy terrain. There will be some very short drives between sites.

  • Flocks of Hawfinch possible in the winter months as well as Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling
  • Great Grey Shrike often winters here and will be searched for
  • Wild Boar possible throughout the year
[introduction] => Visit England's second largest expanse of ancient woodland in search of a special array of species including Hawfinch, Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling. [edges] => Array ( ) [locations] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => England [description] =>

England

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=> Array ( [link] => https://rezkit-tour-images.b-cdn.net/01jh31dg24d58mgyan1rg1zbhh/images/01JKEFZ51T0V728GFWZVH8Z126.jpg [title] => Naturetrek group looking for Great White Egret (Ed Drewitt) ) [54] => Array ( [link] => https://rezkit-tour-images.b-cdn.net/01jh31dg24d58mgyan1rg1zbhh/images/01JKENHYGBQXAHPM6JPW6VSNWK.jpg [title] => River Wye England Shutterstock 155822744 ) ) [parent] => Array ( [name] => The United Kingdom ) ) ) [categories] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Day Trip [parent] => Array ( [name] => Tour Focus ) ) ) [fields] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [__typename] => NumberFieldData [name] => tz3_id [number] => 17121 ) [1] => Array ( [__typename] => StringFieldData [name] => videos [string] => ) [2] => Array ( [__typename] => StringListFieldData [name] => good_time_to_go [values] => ) [3] => Array ( [__typename] => StringFieldData [name] => start_point_lat [string] => 51.76820589013631 ) [4] => Array ( [__typename] => StringListFieldData [name] => tour_expert [values] 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[content] =>

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 (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR82

Visit England's second largest expanse of ancient woodland in search of a special array of species including Hawfinch, Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling.

£60

Land Only
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Carbon Footprint

1.5kg CO2e

What does this mean?

Highlights

  • Flocks of Hawfinch possible in the winter months as well as Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling
  • Great Grey Shrike often winters here and will be searched for
  • Wild Boar possible throughout the year

Summary

Join Naturetrek Operations Manager and naturalist Tom Mabbett or leaders Marcus John, Dan Watson or Oliver Smart for a day out in the Forest of Dean. This forest is England’s second largest expanse of ancient woodland, and home to some very special woodland species, whichever time of year you visit.

During the winter months, the forest comes alive with finches and foraging woodland birds. Flocks of Hawfinch can be reliably found, plus Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, Bramblings and Crossbills. It is also an excellent time to see Mandarin Duck and Goosander on the lakes, while Dipper may be seen the year round. During the winter it is often the sheer number of woodland birds that delights with Blue, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits, Nuthatches, Chaffinches and Siskins all possible. Out on the open glades we will keep our eyes to the sky for Goshawks over the forest and most winters at least one Great Grey Shrike winters here, and we will try to find this special bird!

Coming to the spring and summer, species will be returning from Africa to breed here. Highlights of the day may include Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and, more recently, Firecrest has colonised. Hawfinches and Goshawks breed here and are possible to see throughout the year but are more difficult in the spring and summer. Nightjars are also to be found on the open glades (mid-May through July) and for those who wish to stay for the evening to listen for 'churring' and see them displaying, Tom, Dan, Oliver or Marcus will be more than happy to advise exactly where to go, with Woodcock also possible.

Whichever time of year we visit, we will keep our eyes peeled throughout the day for Wild Boar and Fallow Deer which are also likely. The area is superb for dragonflies and butterflies too. We expect to walk around 6 miles during the course of the day, at a very leisurely pace and over easy terrain. There will be some very short drives between sites.

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Tour Reports

Day Trip Location

Dates & Prices

2026

Land Only

£60

2027

Land Only

£60

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
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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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