Signs of Spring Walk at Heal Somerset
Sat 29 Mar 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM GMT
Heal Somerset, BA11 5HH
Description
Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or a casual walker, come celebrate the beauty of early spring and reconnect with wildlife on our Signs of Spring walk at Heal Somerset, led by expert guide Nick Patel.
As the season awakens, this relaxed guided walk offers a unique opportunity to witness the first signs of life emerging in a rewilding landscape — from the first insects on the wing, singing birds to the early bloom of wildflowers.
Nick will share his deep knowledge of local ecosystems and the rich diversity of wildlife that live within them, sharing fascinating insights into the flora and fauna that make Heal Somerset a haven for nature and helping you spot some of the wildlife on site including, hopefully, some early migrating birds.
This walk would make the perfect Mother's Day gift for those who want to share the peace of the outdoors and the joy of learning about the natural world.
What you might see: cuckooflower, coltsfoot, dead nettles and violets, and hopefully you may catch a glimpse of some amazing spring birds and wildlife including wheatear, sand martin, chiffchaff, peacock, brimstone, tawny mining bee, early bumblebee and perhaps even a common lizard.
About your guide, Nick Patel:
Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.
Nick says “I am really pleased and super excited to be working with Heal and looking forward to showcasing some of the amazing work they are doing at the Heal Somerset site. It’s truly inspiring and you can already feel an abundance of nature, which I am excited to share with people though my tours”.
TOUR LOCATION
Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.
TIMINGS
Arrive: 9.55am
Walk departs: 10am
Walk ends: approximately 12pm
Refreshments: From 12pm
CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them for this tour although there will be a couple of spare pairs available on the day.
It is very likely to be wet underfoot at this time of year so we recommend that you wear wellingtons or sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots suitable for rough, uneven ground. If the forecast is wet, bring a waterproof jacket and a hat and dress warmly.
[We give this level of detail to encourage wider participation in our tours by people who may be unfamiliar with being out in nature and we hope this is useful for them as well as a reminder to those already aware.]
ACCESSIBILITY
The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event.
If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.
If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.
OTHER THINGS
Cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel this tour and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
Children and babies
Children over 12 are welcome on the tour as are babies in slings (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.
Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.
Supporting Heal
Please note, up to 50% of your ticket price will go towards supporting the work of Heal.
You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.
Special ticketing
If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email events@healrewilding.org.uk as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.
Local accommodation
We can't offer accommodation yet at Heal Somerset. There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton.
Transport
The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all tour participants.
Photo credit for main image: Alex Sams, Providence Ecological
Location
Heal Somerset, BA11 5HH