East Midlands Field Trips 2026
These field trips are a great way to learn about butterflies and their habitat, help with identification will be available and there will also be photographic opportunities. Walks are open to anyone to attend. Please check the weather conditions and come suitably prepared.
IMPORTANT. All walks must be pre-booked (with the exception of the Hoe Grange event) with the leader of the walk. This is essential so the leader can inform you if the walk is cancelled for any reason. Also, all walks will be limited to a maximum of 12 participants. If you arrive at a venue without booking, you could be turned away if the number of participants has reached its maximum.
Longstone Edge
Derbyshire
Sunday 10 May
I propose meeting at 10.30am in the big layby Grid Ref SK 199 730 on the single-track road that leaves Great Longstone on the left, just at the RHS bend in the village coming from Monsal Head. The St Crispin pub is just beyond this. If you see this you have gone too far!
This is a meet suitable for those who have difficulty getting around as the walking is very short and easy. There are no conveniences
Last year was a great success but even if we do not see many butterflies the views are wonderful from the car park. Hope to see you there
Target Species: - Green Hairstreak, Wall Brown, and other spring butterflies.
Contact: John and Sylvia Green 07760 136369
Bingham Linear Park
Nottinghamshire
Sunday 17 May
Meet at 10.00am at the bridge on Tithby Road in Bingham (grid ref SK 701393). Approx NG13 8GP.
Target Species: Spring butterflies - hopefully Grizzled Skipper.
Wear stout walking boots or shoes as the ground is rough. No toilets or facilities so bring your own drink or snack.
The walk is about 6 km and takes approx 2 hours.
Contact: Jenny Craig: 07979 355413
Pleasley Pit Country Park, Pleasley
Derbyshire
Sunday 24th May
Meet at the Pit Café (open 10.00am – 2.00pm) at 10.45am, Post Code: NG19 7EY, Grid reference: SK49918 64418.
There are good facilities on site and if members of the Pit Team are on site it will be possible for anyone interested to have a tour of the Pit Top and Winding Houses.
Also well worth a mention is that Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group are holding their Wildlife Day on the same day, which means there will be a number of stalls representing a wide range of organisations, including EMBC, so plenty to look at and get involved in right throughout the day
The walk (weather permitting) should be easy going with two hours being the maximum time needed for the route.
Target species: Countryside butterflies, plus there has been good numbers of Small Blues ) seen on site during the last four years.
Directions: From M1, Junction 29 take the A617 to Mansfield. There is only one roundabout on the route, approximately 3.5 miles from the Motorway. At the roundabout take the 4th turn right, then take the first right up Pit Lane, drive past the first car park, go through the gate and turn right and drive up to the car park at the Pit. Approaching from Mansfield (A617), the roundabout is approximately 3.5 miles from Mansfield, at the roundabout take the first turn left, then following the instruction outlined above.
Contact: Willy Lane: Mobile: 07790 000770
New Lount Local Nature Reserve
Leicestershire
Thursday 28th May
New Lount Nature Reserve is situated on the site of New Lount Colliery, one of the shortest lived collieries in the area. The reserve offers walk through woodland, grassland and ponds with a wide variety of flora and fauna.The walk consists of grassy paths and there are several steps to the upper levels. Some areas can be wet and muddy so do consider bringing wellington boots or waterproof footwear.
There is a free car park at Rempstone Road Coleorton, LE67 8HR, but no toilet facilities. Nearest toilets and facilities (lovely cafe) are in Staunton Harold Garden Centre (LE65 1RU).
Target species: Dingy Skipper and other spring butterflies.
Contact: Richard Jeffery 07803 599247
Cloud Wood (LRWT) Nature Reserve
Leicestershire
Tuesday 7 July
Meet: 2.00pm in the lay-by opposite the reserve
Location: SK419214. (Postcode for SatNav DE73 8BG). Cloud Wood lies in the N.W. of Leicestershire, 1.5km S.E. of Breedon-on-the-Hill on the road between Tonge and Griffydam. It is part of the site of an ancient woodland that was originally coppiced in the traditional way. Parts of the wood are still coppiced by the Wildlife Trust in rotation, and other areas are left to grow naturally. There is a diverse range of flora and fauna present
Nearest toilets and facilities (lovely cafe) are in Staunton Harold Garden Centre (LE65 1RU).
Target Species: Silver-washed Fritillary, White-letter Hairstreak and Purple Emperor.
Contact: Richard Jeffery 07803 599247
Beacon Hill Country Park, Charnwood
Leicestershire
Saturday 18 July
Meet at the pay and display car park off Beacon Road, LE12 8SP, just below the summit, near toilets, at 11am
Beacon Hill is a site of ecological and geological importance and provides varied habitats for many plants and animals, with much of the site designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Target Species: Purple Emperor, Purple Hairstreak and other summer butterflies.
Contact: Nick Sparrow 07914 768234
Coombs Dale
Derbyshire
Wednesday 22 July
Meet at 10.00am at the bottom of the Dale by the playing field where there is a parking area - SK 236751. It is on the A623 towards Stoney Middleton. There is also parking around Calver crossroads
Morning walk finishes around 12.30pm. Facilities available in nearby pub and cafe.
Target species: Dark-green Fritillary, Brown Argus and other summer butterflies