Nightjar Safari in the Forest of Dean

As dusk settles over the Forest of Dean, join us for a magical walk to look and listen for one of our most mysterious birds, the elusive nightjar!

We will start our walk before dusk, wandering through beautiful ancient woodland with the chance of spotting various woodland birds, including local specialities such as firecrests, crossbills and spotted flycatchers. We then move into a heathland habitat with the possibility of stonechats, tree pipits and also various dragonflies. Young frogs and toads also emerge from nearby ponds at this time of year and may need to be dodged underfoot!

As we walk, your expert guide will tell you more about these unique habitats and the wildlife that makes the forest their home. We may also get to see some of the enchanting Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies that are used for conservation grazing in this area.

As the light fades, we will start to listen out for the unmistakeable and other-worldly ‘churring’ calls of male nightjars, a weird and wonderful sound that is not to be missed! If we’re lucky, we may also get to see and hear them performing their unique wing-clapping flight display. During the evening there is also the chance of spotting woodcocks performing their bizarre ‘roding’ flight display, as they circle around overhead, calling, as night settles in.

On the return walk, we might be able to get a glimpse of nocturnal mammals including wild boar and deer, and we should also be able to watch bats feeding overhead, or see and hear tawny owls in the woods.

This evening nightjar experience is a feast for the senses and a unique escape into nature for all levels of wildlife enthusiasts!

What’s included?

• A two-hour evening walk to look for and listen to nightjars, led by a local expert.

• Opportunities to spot woodland and heathland birds, and help identifying bird sounds.

• A chance of spotting wild boar, deer, bats and other nocturnal mammals.

• The possibility of various insect, reptile and amphibian species on the heathland.

• Expert insights into the forest and heathland habitats and their wildlife.

• A unique and exciting opportunity to experience the Forest of Dean at night.

Please note that the event will run once two or more customers have booked for the selected date.