Hepple in Focus: Spring Birds

Join us at the Hepple Estate for a nature-focused tour of our wilding project. The hills around Hepple have been gently managed for wildlife and farming for decades but since 2020 we have changed gear and are now fully focused on building ecosystem health and encouraging biodiversity. As of 2024 we are starting to open our world up for small mixed and private groups to come and see what we have been up to, and we'd love for you to join us.

The day will include a short introduction to the estate and our ethos, before a presentation on some of the bird species that call the Hepple Estate home and the work that we are doing to encourage these and attract more. Following this we will take a 3hr-4hr professionally guided walk of the estate with numerous breaks for spotting and listening to birds. A simple lunch is included and, weather allowing, will be taken outside to enjoy on the estate. Our walks are intended to be interactive and immersive with our expert guide Richard showing you the best of what Hepple has to offer. That being said, wildlife, birds especially, is just that - wild! We cannot guarantee wildlife sightings but will do our best to give you a taste of our wilderness.

Last year on our Spring Birds Day we recorded 59 bird species including a big rarity; the white-winged black tern.

Crossbills spotted on Spring Birds Day 2024 - Chris Woodcock / White Oak Photos

In spring and summer our site is home to large numbers of skylark, willow warbler, chiffchaff and stonechats with oystercatchers and common sandpiper down by the river. Some of the other bird species that we can hope to see on site include whinchat, redstart, curlew, raven and cuckoo while, if we are very lucky, we might get a glimpse of a merlin, a peregrine or a ring ouzel.

Please note that this event includes periods of rough walking. Please come prepared. Sturdy boots, a warm coast, possibly waterproof trousers are all worth bringing – if you can leave them in the car so much the better! The weather in the Upper Coquet valley can be very changeable so please come prepared for anything. Please also bring your binoculars! 

While we will aim to head out whatever the weather, if the forecast ahead of the event does look especially awful or hazardous, we will contact you to offer a full refund or a booking on an alternative date.

Unfortunately this event is not currently accessible for wheelchair users or those with physical disabilities that may prevent them from prolonged walking in the outdoors over rough terrain. As we progress with our nature engagement plans, we aim to be able to host more accessible experiences.

We would also recommend that this event may not suit young children however we are fully open to have private family group bookings. Please get in touch to discuss this.

Once booked, we will contact you regarding dietary requirements and any special interests you might have. We look forward to welcoming you to our home and to the beautiful Hepple Wilds.

Photography by Chris Woodcock