From April to the end of June, writer and amateur naturalist, Simon Corble, leads morning walks from the village to listen for birdsong.
Monyash is blessed with a wide variety of songbirds and this guided walk is designed to help visitors identify and appreciate their many calls and songs, from familiar garden birds, such as thrushes and greenfinches around the village centre, through typical woodland species, such as the blackcap and goldcrest, both of which can be heard around the churchyard; out into the open fields for larks and curlews and into a small, yet typical White Peak dale. Here, some Peakland specialities nest every Spring, including the beautiful redstart and the tuneful willow warbler.
The walk lasts an hour and a half, (sometimes a little more) at a very easy pace, with plentiful stops in order to listen. The simple enjoyment of birdsong in a very peaceful environment is the main aim, but you will also learn a few tips for identifying songs and calls. The walk is also incredibly rich in wildflowers, butterflies and bees, so some time may be spent looking at orchids, for example. No prior knowledge or equipment are necessary, other than good walking shoes/boots. The walk meets at 9am every Sunday and most Wednesdays at the ancient market cross, on the green, in front of the Old Smithy café. £7.50 per person, children free. Maximum 8 adults, minimum 2. Advance booking essential. To secure a place, contact Simon. His details are on the birdsong page of his website here and the dedicated Facebook page @birdsongwalks. Walks can also be arranged at other times and on other wildlife-rich routes, to suit visitors’ wishes.
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Simon has been a bird-watcher all his life and has in recent years broadened his interests into wildflowers and amphibians. He has a licence to handle great crested newts and is a volunteer ‘Ambassador’ for Natural England on the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve – specialising in Lathkill Dale. There, he conducts the Breeding Birds Survey, twice every Spring and surveys the ponds for amphibians. He has led walking tours on the Greek Island of Ikaria and has written audio and self-guided trails for the Peak District National Park, The National Trust and The Royal Geographical Society (see under ‘Walks’ for some local ones).