Bird Watching

The Peak District National Park is important for many birds including golden plover, red grouse, lapwing, curlew and merlin. Here in the Upper Derwent Valley dramatic birds of prey live and breed in the amazing landscape.

One of the most exciting breeds is the goshawk, sometimes seen soaring high above the conifer plantations. Around this area between March and June it is possible to see red-breasted merganser, common sandpiper and dipper on the reservoirs and river, whilst golden plover, dunlin, curlew, wheatear, ring ouzel, winchat and stonechat occur on the moorland. Red grouse, raven, merlin and peregrine are present throughout the year and barn owls have been spotted in winter.

There is an RSPB Reserve at Coombes Valley, near Leek, whilst local bird watching walks can be booked with rangers – details from Tourist Information Centres.

For information on bird and wildlife watching in the Derbyshire Peak District and South Yorkshire go to www.peakdistrictbirdingholidays.co.uk