Forest of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari

Venture out on an exhilarating evening safari in the Forest of Dean and discover the wildlife that emerges from the forest as night falls.

This guided two-hour walk will take you through stunning ancient woodland as you listen to birdsong, spot woodland and waterbirds and then, as dusk falls, look and listen out for any secretive deer, wild boar or other nocturnal mammals.

Various waterbirds, including mandarin ducks, kingfishers and dippers, can be spotted on the ponds, and a variety of woodland birds are possible, including local specialities such as siskins, hawfinches, crossbills and firecrests. In the spring and summer, the evenings echo with a glorious evening chorus of birdsong, and you may be lucky enough to spot a woodcock displaying overhead or hear a tawny owl hooting in the twilight. Other interesting species you could find include reptiles, dung beetles and glow-worms.

During the first half of your walk, your expert guide will also tell you more about the forest, its wildlife and its fascinating history. Then, as the light drops, you will have a chance to walk quietly and immerse yourself in the landscape and, with a bit of luck, spot any deer or wild boar that may emerge, as well as any bats. You may even be lucky enough to get a rare glimpse of an elusive pine marten!

This unforgettable adventure is perfect for seasoned naturalists and curious explorers alike, offering a unique opportunity to escape the bustle of everyday life and connect more deeply with the natural world.

We are passionate about helping people to enjoy the forest and its wildlife and don't want anyone to miss out, so if you can't see a date you can do just let us know and we will do our best to arrange something to suit you :)

What’s Included?

• An evening wildlife safari in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean.

• A chance to spot elusive wild boar, deer and other nocturnal mammals.

• Opportunities to spot woodland and waterbirds, and expert help to identify bird sounds.

• Fascinating insights into the forest’s wildlife, ecology and history.

• Experience the best each season has to offer, including birdsong in spring, insects and wildflowers in summer, autumn’s fiery colours, and visiting waterbirds in winter.

• A peaceful yet thrilling escape into nature, suitable for all levels of wildlife enthusiasts.

Please note the event will run once two or more customers have booked per date.

Age restrictions: 8+

per person £40

What people are saying

★★★★★
Ryan Ayres
Feb 2026

Really loved this experience. Liz was very friendly and knowledgeable about the local area and wi...

Read more
★★★★★
Jacob Hall
Feb 2026

Really enjoyed this experience. Liz was great, leading us around two different areas, answering a...

Read more
★★★★★
Elena Abraham
Oct 2025

Hi Ed! Just wanted to say Joe and I had such an amazing time! We will definitely be booking again...

Read more
★★★★
Steve Downs
Oct 2025

Ed was a great guide and shared his knowledge enthusiastically. He Is clearly passionate about ...

Read more
Show more reviews

How to get there

Facilities

  • Experience takes place outdoors
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible

COVID-19 guidelines

The activities are held outdoors at a time when there are few to no other people around and social distancing is easy to achieve. Participants will use their own transport and only those not experiencing any covid-19 symptoms will be permitted to attend.

Your host follows the current government guidelines on groups sizes. The covid-19 risk assessment is part of the overall risk assessment completed.

On the day

  • The safari times can vary depending on the sunset - these will be advised on booking

  • You will be out for around 2 hours and walk approx 1.5 to 2 miles (2.4km - 3km) at a steady or slow pace taking in the scenery, sounds and wildlife along the way

  • Walking is along well-surfaced tracks and you are able to venture off onto smaller paths and gentle uphill or downhill terrain

  • Torches, binoculars and weather-appropriate clothing are advised

Changes happen, don't worry

How to change dates
Change of plans? You can easily rebook the next available slot up to 7 days before your experience.
How to get a refund
Can't make it? We understand things happen! You can cancel and get a full refund up to 7 days before your experience.
Please note that this refund policy does not apply to gift bookings. You may reschedule your gift if outside the time period stated above. Please note that Yuup gift cards are valid for redemption for 12 months, and if not redeemed by this date, you will get a Yuup credit added to your Yuup account equivalent to the unspent value of the Yuup gift card less a Yuup administration fee of 20%.

You'll be hosted by

Ed Drewitt

Ed's got a passion for wildlife. He enjoys taking people out to see and experience it. Ed offers training courses on identifying birds and their songs. He has been studying urban peregrine falcons for the past 20 years and is the author of Urban Peregrines. He's got an educational background so is always on a quest to learn new things.

Liz Drewitt (She/Her)

Liz is a freelance naturalist, writer, editor and artist with over 20 years of experience studying, writing about and watching wildlife, as well as editing books about the natural world. She has a passion for the Forest of Dean, with a particular interest in its wild boar, and can’t wait to introduce you to this enchanting landscape and its fascinating wildlife.

View more experiences by Ed and Liz Drewitt

Any questions?

Ask your question directly to Ed and Liz Drewitt.