Wildlife Day - Wheldrake Ings and the Derwent Valley
The Lower Derwent Valley in Yorkshire supports tens of thousands of migrant wildfowl and waders throughout the winter months, when the riverside floodplain meadows are inundated by floodwater. Icelandic Whooper Swans rub shoulders with Russian White-fronted Geese and Siberian-breeding Wigeon and Teal, along with hordes of Lapwings and Golden Plovers from the uplands of Britain. With all this birdlife, predators are attracted and several species of birds of prey can be seen during the day. Roe Deer and Brown Hares are a common sight, grazing in the drier areas. The day ends with the evening flight of Whooper Swans to their roost on the ings and the possibility of a large Starling murmuration and hunting Barn Owls.
Price: £50 (including VAT), payable by bank transfer. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payment by card.
To book your place, please phone/email us to arrange payment: places are limited, and will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis.
On confirmation of the Wildlife Day, we will send you the details of the meeting place and time, and our leader’s contact details. Please make sure we have your mobile phone number.
Group transport is not provided. We will use our own vehicles to drive the short distance between sites during the day.
We will be walking for much of the day, and expect to cover up to six miles, although always at a gentle place. The terrain is flat, but can but muddy and wet. Suitable footwear (walking shoes/boots) is essential, and you should also be prepared for inclement weather.
In line with current government advice, our group size will be limited to six, together with our leader. We will ask everyone to observe social distancing advice during the day, currently two metres between individuals from different households. Bird hides may not be open, but if they are, we would ask that everyone wears a face mask whilst using them.