Beaver Moon Dusk Walk with Nick Patel

Join us at dusk as the November Beaver Moon rises over Heal Somerset's wetlands. As daylight fades and the natural world shifts from the bustle of day to the quiet rhythms of night, join us for a peaceful and immersive dusk walk through the rewilding landscapes of Heal Somerset. 

Guided by wildlife expert Nick Patel, this gentle evening stroll invites you to tune into the changing sounds of nature — from the last songs of daytime birds to the emerging calls of owls and the fluttering presence of bats overhead. You’ll learn to identify bird calls and evening wildlife behaviours, while also keeping an eye out for more hidden wonders like spiders spinning their webs and the emergence of late-season fungi among the undergrowth.

This is also a magical time to witness more elusive creatures such as foxes and of course beavers who are particularly busy in November getting their lodge and dams ready for the Winter. 

As the walk draws to a close, if weather allows we’ll gather around the fire pit to enjoy hot chocolate, sharing reflections on the evening and the stories of rewilding that continue to unfold across the site.

This will be a gentle, grounding way to end your day.

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 "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

4.10pm: Meet at visitors' carpark

4.15pm: Walk begins

6pm: Refreshments around firepit or in nature cabin in the case of bad weather

CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them and that you wear sturdy boots as thanks to our wild-living beavers, it may be wet underfoot. Bring some warm layers. We will advise on weather in the run-up to the 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 non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies

We recommend a minimum age of 12  for this walk but it is down to parent/guardian. Babies in slings are welcome at this event for free  (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.

Dogs

Though we welcome assistance dogs, 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, and 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 (included in your ticket price).

Photo credit: Fox cub image by Jen Vickers