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.

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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."

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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

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