Wildlife & Conservation Residential

Exploring the Peak District and its wildlife

The Peak District is the UK's oldest National Park and offers spectacular landscapes, biodiversity and wildlife (our main office is located just a stone’s throw from the 2025 Springwatch location at Longshaw!)

The aim of the residential is to explore the Peak District National Park and to learn about its conservation, ecology and wildlife. Our residential also offers the opportunity to get involved in current conservation projects whilst achieving your Gold DofE Residential and the John Muir Guardian Award.

John Muir Award: Discover, Explore, Conserve, Share

Each day you will meet different aspects of the John Muir Guardian Award. You will explore a range of habitats and discover some of the Peak District's fascinating wildlife.

Activities vary depending on the time of year, here are some examples of what to expect:

- a walk onto the Kinder Plateau (a high moorland area) to learn about peat bogs and their importance with regards to climate change and biodiversity. 

- visit ancient woodlands to understand their unique characteristics and study the wildlife that depends on them

- work on ongoing conservation projects with the National Trust ranger team

- spend an evening spotting and surveying bats, and looking out for owls and badgers 

From the scientific to the creative, this residential caters for every type of conservation enthusiast.

Location - You will be meeting in Hathersage, a village located in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Hathersage can be easily reached by train from Manchester or Sheffield.

Accommodation - You'll stay in a local bunkhouse. All bunkhouses have fully equipped kitchens and separate male/ female bathrooms (please get in touch if you require gender neutral facilities so we can look at options with you). Note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel.

Food- Food is included for the duration of your programme. We'll provide breakfasts, lunches and dinners and also have plenty of snacks. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know well in advance so we can cater for you, by filling out our consent form when booking.

Important: Our Open residential programmes are usually set up in a way that requires participants to be fully independent. If you (or the person you are booking for) requires any additional support or has specific needs, please contact us before booking so we can ensure we are able to put suitable support and adjustments in place.

Cost - £395.00