Autumn Birds with Nick Patel

Autumn is a time of movement and change in the bird world. Migrants arrive from the north to spend the winter here, while summer visitors begin their journeys south. Hedgerows are alive with activity as birds feast on the season’s berries, and grasslands and wetlands provide vital feeding grounds for both resident and passing species.

Join expert wildlife guide Nick Patel for a guided walk through the evolving habitats of Heal Somerset, focusing on the rich and dynamic world of autumn birdlife. During this relaxed walk, Nick will help you identify birds by sight and sound, offering insights into plumage changes, migration patterns, and the different behaviours you are likely to observe at this time of year. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll come away with fresh skills and a deeper understanding of how birds adapt to the turning season.

You’ll also have the chance to learn more about how rewilding at Heal Somerset is creating safe havens for birdlife, and how these habitats support biodiversity through the colder months.

What you might see: redwing, spotted flycatcher, long tailed tit, bullfinch, stonechat, blackcap, goldcrest, meadow pipit, yellow wagtail, green sandpiper, snipe, lapwing.

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. Autumn migration is a particular passion of his, and one of his favourite times of year to be out birding.

Nick says "Having led tours here at Heal Somerset for two years now, I’ve witnessed first-hand the speed at which nature has already made a comeback. I’m super passionate about showing everyone who visits the site the wealth of wildlife bouncing back, including some really beautiful species and fabulous rewilding habitats."

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

9.55am: Meet at visitors' carpark

10am: Tour begins

12 noon: Refreshments in community nature barn

CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them and that that you wear sturdy boots as thanks to our wild-living beavers, it may be wet underfoot. Bring sunscreen, antihistamines if you need them and ticks will be about so we suggest long trousers. We will advise on the weather forecast in run up to event.

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 event 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 transferrable but non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies 

Children are welcome on the walk, we advise that the walk is most appropriate for a minimum age of 12 but that is up to the parent or guardian. Babies in slings are welcome to attend for free but the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas.  Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children and babies. 

Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.

Supporting Heal

Please note, all proceeds from 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

There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton, you can find information for some of them here.

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.