Record-Breaking 2026 Bird Safari Season Comes to a Close

The Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group has wrapped up its 2026 bird safari programme, completing six safaris across six managed estates over the past month and welcoming a host of people onto the moors along the way.

It marks a significant step up from the group's first outings of the year in early June, when nearly 60 species were recorded across three managed moors in Wensleydale and Swaledale. By the close of the full programme, the tally had climbed to 63 different species spotted across all six safaris, including short eared owls, golden plover, black grouse, wheatears and a great deal more. Despite testing weather on occasion, the managed moors did not fail to deliver.

In total, the events catered for 84 individuals, some of whom travelled considerable distances to be present. The tours are designed to give the public a first hand experience of the birdlife that thrives on managed moorland, and to allow visitors to engage directly with the keepering staff who maintain the landscape.

Along the way there were plenty of tales told and funny experiences shared, alongside the more serious business of explaining the role of the modern moorland keeper. There were standout moments too. The group was able to watch golden plover and lapwing being ringed by one of the team, while a member of estate staff rescued a lapwing and carefully removed tangled wool from its legs.

The safaris build on a proven approach. As coordinator Darren Chadwick said of the first events of the season, getting the public out onto the moors, sharing the wildlife and having face to face conversations is undoubtedly the best way of proving that managed estates are delivering outstanding results for nature.

A modest £1,260 was raised through admission fees this year, and the group will now decide which charities or conservation projects will benefit. Previous recipients have included Swaledale Mountain Rescue, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Mind and Cancer Research UK.

Many thanks go to everyone who took part, and to the chauffeurs who gave up their time to handle the driving duties across the moors.

The 2027 safaris will be advertised in the new year, so please follow the group to keep up to speed with all the latest news.