Description

Steven Gozdz is well deserving of this nickname, "The Bird Whisperer". His passion for wildlife photography and a keen interest in birds stems from a young age. Whilst his peers were trading football cards, Steven was buried in bird books, both European and Foreign, memorising different species and their habitats. As a professional wildlife photographer and guide, Steven will help you appreciate the sights, sounds, fauna and flora along the way.

Streatley Woodland Adventure

Starting along a wooded corridor where Sparrowhawks often hunt and Firecrest can be found darting in and out of the dense Fir and Yew trees, then a climb along the edge of a wild meadow valley to a stunning Panoramic view looking down to The River Thames We then head into woodland of a National Trust where in spring we will find a carpet of Bluebells and numerous species of small birds from Treecreeper and Goldcrest to Bullfinch and Willow Tit as well as Woodpeckers. We then cross over to another National Trust site onto an open hilltop with yet another amazing view where in the summer numerous species of butterflies can be found, from Chalkhill Blue to Orange tipped and the occasional Adonis Blue. From here we can savour the aerial mastery of our beautiful Red Kites and Common Buzzards whilst they soar effortlessly over the valley before we conclude by heading downhill into the village. (Total Distance 3.5miles – 3.5hrs)

Goring Scenic Circuit

Starting at Goring Bridge we head down onto the Famous Thames Path, where fingers crossed, we will see that beautiful iridescent blue flash of a Kingfisher! We continue along beside the river scanning the bank and wooded hill tops for small birds such as Chiffchaff and Nuthatch and even the occasional Raven & Sparrowhawk. Just over halfway we have a short steep climb to the edge of Harts Lock Nature Reserve to a picturesque summit where rare wild Orchids can be found, (end April to July) together with Green Hairstreak and Marbled White butterflies. A stunning Panoramic view of the Goring Gap can be savoured before we head inland past hedgerows and corn fields, where Yellowhammers sing for “A little bit of bread and No cheese” and Skylarks rise into the sky projecting their song across the land. (Total Distance 4miles – 3.5hrs)

Finish off either walking tour with tea, coffee and cake. This is the perfect opportunity to take full advantage of Steve's expert knowledge and ask him any questions.