About Kevin Overton
Firstly, can I say that I haven't got a beard and I don't have one of those waistcoats with about 30 pockets so I'm probably not your archetypal birder. What I am is an enthusiastic nature and bird lover that likes nothing better than sharing my passion with others. I have been watching birds since I was a small boy growing up in rural Norfolk, close to the coast in the lovely Cley and Blakeney area. As a 40+ year old (the + is a few years), it gives you an idea of my experience in Bird Watching. I have watched Birds throughout the UK with Scotland being my favourite area; my birding has also taken me overseas to places such as India and Kenya, a real birding highlight for me.
But, I am not an expert and one of the reasons why I love Bird Watching is that I approach everyday with a passion for learning about and watching the birds and wildlife and for sharing that passion. I consider myself to be blessed to live and work in and around Derbyshire, a fantastic place that I am really excited about sharing with you on your holidays. On your holiday I also use the services of a local Bird Watcher to ensure we really maximise the chances of seeing everything the location has to offer, the guides love showing people the birds of the area using their local knowledge and together we share our hints and tips on everything from identification and bird song through to what to think about when choosing Binoculars, absolutely everything to do with Bird Watching to make your holiday informative, interesting, and above all, a relaxed and fun experience.
2010 is the inaugural year of Peak District Birding Holidays. In 2009 I decided to leave corporate life and to use my skills and aptitude for helping people, and create a fantastic holiday experience based on my passion for birds and set close to home in the spectacular Derbyshire Peak District. My customer promise to you is a relaxing, hassle free holiday that is informative and fun, introducing people to the wonderful birds and wildlife of the Peak District.
I am so excited about this new venture and my ambition is to make every single holiday an unforgettable experience. I look forward to welcoming you on one of our Bird Watching holidays. If you have any questions, or want to know more about Self Guided holidays, please contact me.
Kevin Overton
Primary Tour Leader
Meet some of the team
About Jim Clarke - Tour Guide & Leader
Jim is an ornithological consultant, writer, broadcaster, and musician based in Sheffield. Much of his formative birding experience was in the North-eastern Peak District and the area is now the focus of his professional work. His current projects include surveying 180ha of mixed moorland fringe habitats, with a particular interest in birds of prey and waders, teaching bird identification and surveying skills to volunteers and staff from conservation organisations, and has acted as a consultant for various organisations including the BBC. His recent local finds include eleven raptor species, Common Crane, Caspian Gull, Black Redstart, Dartford Warbler, and Firecrest. Jim also has a degree in Anthropology and is a session guitarist.
About Malcolm Oxlade - Tour Guide & Leader
Malcolm was born in Sheffield in 1948, and has lived there ever since. Malcolm began birdwatching in his early 20’s and has since birded the length and breadth of Britain and visited over 50 overseas countries in all continents except Antarctica (so far!).
Being retired, he has plenty of spare time, and spends much of it birding around Sheffield. Malcolm gets a real thrill out of showing others new birds of the area.
Malcolms other interests also include flowers, butterflies, and more recently moths, although he classes himself as very much a novice as regards the latter.
Malcolm is an active member of the RSPB, Sheffield Bird Study Group, and the Ramblers Association.