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Had a wonderful day. Walks were lovely. Great leader whose knowledge and experience meant we saw an amazing range of birds and not just the 2 new species I'd hoped to see - Hawfinch and Crossbill, but a whole host of favourites including 2 species of woodpeckers, dipper, brambling, siskin and even a Little Egret. Trip was well organised and hassle free. Will be doing more of these day trips. Trip was straightforward to book and good value. Joining instructions were clear. On the day everything went smoothly.
P.R. Gloucestershire, Dec 21
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The Forest of Dean (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR82Visit England's second largest expanse of ancient woodland in search of a special array of species including Hawfinch, Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling.
1 days
from
£50
£50
Highlights
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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.
- 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
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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A days birding trip with excellent views of many winter birds, which exceeded our expectations. New locations we had not previously found by ourselves. Natutretrek as usual provided an excellent informative guide providing all the knowledge and background we needed.
D.P. Avon, Dec 21 -
A great day in the Forest of Dean. Dan was very knowledgeable & great at getting elusive birds in his scope & ensuring that everyone who wanted one got a good view. A good variety of locations during the day. Crossbills, Siskin & Hawfinches were particular highlights.
C.P. Somerset, Dec 21 -
We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the Forest of Dean, with our excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly guide. We were shown birds, mammals, amphibians and insects. The other walkers were also interesting and we all had a wonderful day. Excellent organisation, very efficient and prompt in replying to queries etc. I couldn’t fault them.
H.C. Gloucestershire, May 21 -
Exploring the birds and wildlife of the Forest of Dean. Led by Tom of Naturetrek who was very professional and enthusiastic. Great at recognising birdsong, he helped all the tour guests to experience and view many species of birds and mammals they would normally find very difficult to spot. Lovely chap, a credit and first class ambassador for Naturetrek.
K.S. Wiltshire, May 21 -
Guided day trip to the Forest of Dean. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned a lot about the local wildlife and had a good walk. Pace was just right. Excellent customer service in all dealings with the company.
L.W. Gloucestershire, May 21 -
Visited parts of the Forest we had never explored before on our one day trip with Tom. Great Grey Shrike to Marsh Tit, we had a very enjoyable birding experience. Lovely time in the heart of the Forest. Thank you.
D.I. Somerset, Dec 20 -
A day, mostly birding in different locations in the Forest of Dean. The Guide was friendly, knowledgeable and had excellent bird “spotting” skills. The pace was relaxed and we were a group of six including our Guide. I really enjoy the Naturetrek day trips and have done several. First class trips.
T.S. Avon, Dec 20
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 29th Mar – Sat 29th Mar
1
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
Thu 18th Dec – Thu 18th Dec
5
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
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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Tour Reports
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
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Louise Larkinson travelled on our 'Forest of Dean and the Somerset Levels' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition.
