Birds
Free Village Bird Walks
Baslow Environment Group are running three free guided bird walks again this year, led by Ian Johnston.
The aim is to practice bird identification from song, and to discover what birds live around the village in summer.
The first walk on Saturday 10 May is for novice birders and preferably those who did not come last year, and will start in Baslow at 8.00am.
The second walk on Monday 12 May is for people who can already recognise common birds in their garden, and would like to try to hear and see warblers, redstarts and flycatchers. It will start at the Baslow end of Chatsworth Park, also at 8.00am.
The third walk involves self driving to a location on Beeley Moor for late evening and dusk, and will only take place if the target birds return this year. It is planned for Saturday 24 May after 8.00pm, precise time to be advised. Hopefully we might see nightjars and woodcocks. Insect repellent will be essential. On 12 and 24 May we may be joined by local bird expert Ron Blagden. George Hoey of Chatsworth may also be available for walks within Chatsworth Park.
The walks normally start in the village or in Chatsworth Park, and will last about 2 hours. Last year we saw 45 species in total spread across a few walks, so 25+ for a walk is normal.
Dates
Saturday 10 May 2025 at 8.00am
Monday 12 May 2025 at 8.00am
Saturday 24 May 2025 (TBC) at 8.00pm
As last year, the walks are entirely at your own risk. They include rough ground and involve two to three miles walking. Please have strong boots, appropriate weather gear, and binoculars if you have them. Some binoculars can be loaned, so please advise when booking.
The nearest toilets are opposite Baslow Village Hall and at Chatsworth House.
Reservations
Places will be limited and can be reserved with (by texting ONLY please) Ian Johnston on 07771 808017 who will confirm your reservation. Please start your message "bird walks".
Children over 10 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Numbers are strictly limited (so as not to disturb the birds) and booking can only be done by text to 07771808017 on a first come first served basis. Reservations can be accepted up to the day beforehand. We will mainly be on footpaths but may walk off the path over rough ground for short distances.
The precise starting point will be advised to those who have booked. Booking is now open.
The walks may be cancelled at short notice e.g. inclement weather, illness, etc.
Birds heard and possibly seen are likely to include some of:
Ducks
Mallard Duck
Mandarin Duck
Swallows & Martins
Barn Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin (for the 8.00am starts).
Thrushes
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Warblers
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Garden Warbler
Willow Warbler
Tits
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Crows
Raven
Magpie
Rook
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Finches
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Others
Nuthatch
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Buzzard
Red Kite
Pheasant
The Baslow 50 Bird Challenge
You may think there are very few birds to be seen in your garden these days. You are right that both the number and the variety of birds are decreasing at a worrying rate, due to pollution, disturbance, climate change, and perhaps to increasing numbers of predators including cats, hawks and magpies.
However, you would be surprised how many can be seen in the next 6 months in and around the village. Why not see if you can beat the challenge and see 50 or more species before Christmas Day 2025?
There are in fact at least 90 possible species, of which about 60 are certain to be seen with some perseverance, but who knows, you may also see some more unusual birds as well.
The full list of 90 and some tips on where they can be found here.
Please let us know (text only to 07771 808017) if you take up the challenge and when you reach 50 , and which birds you have seen. Let us know immediately if you see any birds not mentioned or listed as gone from the village.
The results will be published in the Parish Magazine, and will help the newly formed Baslow Bird Group understand what species we have here. (To offer hope, last year in the same period I saw 80 species within 2 miles of the church, so they really are mostly viewable here).
Ian Johnston
April 2025
The Baslow, Bubnell and Chatsworth Bird List
Ian Johnston has compiled a bird list for the area.
Stock Dove - a good one to get on your Baslow 50 list!
Important Information
The walks are free of charge and BEPLÂ accepts no responsibility for your health and safety or any other possible loss , including unforeseen cancellation. There is no contract of service involved. Making a reservation signifies that you agree and accept these terms. All that is offered is to identify and hopefully show singing or calling birds. Please bring binoculars if you have them, but a spare pair will be available. High winds, heavy rain or thunder are unsuitable conditions and a text postponing the walk will be sent if these occur.