I've lived in the Peak District for over 30 years, and I still find something new nearly every time I head out. Curlews calling over the Dark Peak moors in spring, dippers bobbing on the rivers down in the White Peak, a mountain hare in its white winter coat up on the peat. It's a special place for wildlife, and a lot of that is down to people you'll rarely hear about.
Across the area there are wildlife trusts, bird clubs, badger groups, field societies and volunteers who spend their weekends counting birds, blocking up eroded moorland gullies, checking bat roosts and leading walks for anyone who wants to come along. Most of them are friendly, cheap or free to join, and always glad of new faces.
A few years ago I picked up a camera and started sharing what I see. My photos are on Instagram (@peakywildlife) and our live wildlife cameras stream on YouTube (@Barnowllive). Along the way I've come across some brilliant local groups, so I've gathered them here. Whether you want to learn your birdsong, help out on a toad patrol, try a bat walk or just get out with people who love the same things, you should find somewhere to start below.
Wildlife Trusts in and around the Peak District
The Peak District crosses several county boundaries, so more than one Wildlife Trust looks after reserves here. They're a good first stop for events and volunteering.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
The county's main nature charity, with over 40 reserves and a busy events calendar. There's everything from beginners' guided walks to talks from experts, plus plenty of volunteering.
Visit Derbyshire Wildlife TrustStaffordshire Wildlife Trust
Looks after reserves on the south-western side of the Peak, including the Roaches, one of the best-known gritstone edges in the country and a great spot for moorland birds.
Visit Staffordshire Wildlife TrustCheshire Wildlife Trust
Covers the western fringes of the Peak. Handy if you live on the Macclesfield or Stockport side, with nature events a short drive from the park.
Visit Cheshire Wildlife TrustNottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Just over the border to the east, with some excellent wetland reserves. Well worth a trip for waterbirds when the moors are quiet in winter.
Visit Nottinghamshire Wildlife TrustBirdwatching Groups & RSPB Local Groups
Derbyshire Ornithological Society
The county bird club. They keep Derbyshire's official bird records, run free field meetings, and put on a winter programme of talks. Sending them your sightings genuinely helps.
Visit Derbyshire Ornithological SocietyHigh Peak RSPB Local Group
A relaxed, welcoming bunch based around Marple and Glossop. Monthly indoor meetings and regular group trips, and you don't need to be an expert to join in.
Visit High Peak RSPB GroupSheffield RSPB Local Group
A lively group on the Yorkshire side of the border. Good to know about if you do most of your birding on the Eastern Moors and in the Dark Peak.
Visit Sheffield RSPB GroupBadger, Bat, Mammal & Other Species Groups
High Peak Badger Group
Protects setts, helps injured badgers and gives talks across the northern Peak District. A good contact if you're worried about a sett near you.
Visit High Peak Badger GroupMid Derbyshire Badger Group
Badger rescue, monitoring and conservation across the middle of the county.
Visit Mid Derbyshire Badger GroupSouth Derbyshire Badger Group
Looks after badgers in the south of the county, including watching out for setts threatened by building work and tackling badger crime.
Visit South Derbyshire Badger GroupDerbyshire Amphibian & Reptile Group
Frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes. If you fancy helping toads across the road on a damp spring night, or seeing an adder safely with people who know where to look, these are the folk to ask.
Visit Derbyshire ARGDerbyshire Mammal Group
Records mammals across the county and runs training days on tracks, signs and surveying, which is ideal if you want to find the animals that don't want to be found.
Visit Derbyshire Mammal GroupDerbyshire Bat Conservation Group
Monitors roosts and runs summer evening bat walks where you get to use a bat detector. Hearing them for the first time is a real treat, especially for kids.
Visit Derbyshire Bat GroupButterfly Conservation East Midlands
Keeps track of butterflies and moths across the region. Guided walks in summer, and scrub-clearing work parties in winter to keep limestone grassland in good shape.
Visit Butterfly ConservationNatural History Societies & Field Clubs
Buxton Field Club
A really friendly club in the High Peak. Talks through autumn and winter, then site visits in summer to record plants and wildlife.
Visit Buxton Field ClubSorby Natural History Society
Sheffield-based but out in the Dark Peak a lot. Big on wildlife recording, with field meetings covering everything from fungi to beetles.
Visit Sorby NHSNew Mills Natural History Society
Going since 1969 on the western edge of the Peak. Field walks twice a month and indoor talks through the winter.
Visit New Mills NHSGuided Nature Walks: Estates, Rangers & Local Guides
Haddon Hall Medieval Park
Haddon's medieval park is private, so the only way in is on one of their guided tours or wildlife and ecology walks. They're well worth booking.
See Haddon Hall park eventsLongshaw Estate (National Trust)
Covers Longshaw, Padley Gorge and Burbage. The ancient oak woods in Padley Gorge are lovely for pied flycatchers and redstarts in spring, and the rangers run seasonal wildlife walks.
See Longshaw walksChatsworth Estate
There's more to Chatsworth than the house. Their nature walks take in the parkland's veteran trees, the deer herds and the conservation work going on across the estate.
See Chatsworth eventsPeak District National Park Rangers
The park's own rangers lead guided walks through the year, from seasonal wildlife to navigation and staying safe on the moors.
See National Park eventsMoors for the Future Partnership
The people bringing the Dark Peak's blanket bogs back to life. Join one of their "Bogtastic" walks or spend a day planting sphagnum moss. It's muddy, but you'll feel you've done something useful.
Visit Moors for the FutureDerbyshire Bird Tours
Run by local birder Stewart. Small-group guided birdwatching around Derbyshire's best spots, plus minibus day trips. A paid service, and a good way to learn from someone who knows the patch.
See Derbyshire Bird ToursPeak District Wildlife Photographers
Peaky Wildlife & Barn Owl Live
That's me. Hobby wildlife photos on Instagram and live wildlife streams on YouTube, from someone who's spent over 30 years wandering the moors, dales and woods around here.
See @peakywildlife on InstagramPeak Lass Photography
Award-winning Peak District photographer and a former National Parks UK Photographer of the Year, with a big following online. She also writes local walking routes for Let's Go Peak District and Visit Peak District.
Visit Peak Lass PhotographyTesni Ward Photography
Professional wildlife photographer running field workshops and one-to-one sessions in the Peak, photographing mountain hares, badgers and upland birds.
Visit Tesni Ward PhotographyAndrew Parkinson Wildlife
Multi-award-winning Derbyshire photographer who concentrates on British wildlife. His images have appeared in National Geographic and BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Visit Andrew Parkinson WildlifeCommon Questions
Where can I see mountain hares in the Peak District?
The Dark Peak moors are the place, on the high ground around Bleaklow and Kinder Scout. The Peak District is the only place in England with a wild population. Winter is the easiest time, when they turn white and stand out if there's no snow. Please keep your distance and keep dogs on a lead.
Are there guided wildlife walks for beginners?
Yes, lots. The National Park rangers, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the National Trust at Longshaw all run walks where no experience is needed. Summer bat walks are a great first outing, especially with children.
How can I volunteer for wildlife in the Peak District?
Most groups on this page are glad of help. You could plant sphagnum moss with Moors for the Future, join a Wildlife Trust work party, help with toad crossings in spring, or send your bird sightings to the Derbyshire Ornithological Society. Pick something you enjoy and get in touch with them.
Do I need to be an expert to join a wildlife group?
Not at all. Nearly every group welcomes complete beginners, and asking questions on a field trip is the quickest way to learn. Most charge a small yearly membership, and plenty of events are free.