Guided Walks FAQs
Why is there a minimum age of 12?
Our guided walks are intended for participants aged 12 and over. The routes may involve uneven terrain; longer periods of walking and discussions aimed at older audiences. Setting a minimum age helps ensure the walk is safe, enjoyable and engaging for everyone attending.
Why are there no opportunities to walk at weekends or bank holidays?
Our guided walks are led by our Ranger team. As staffing levels are reduced at weekends and on bank holidays, we are unable to offer guided walks at these times. To ensure the best possible experience for participants while continuing to manage our wider responsibilities across the site, walks are currently available on weekdays only.
How fit do I need to be to take part in a walk?
Due to the natural character of our reserves, walks may include uneven ground, slopes, muddy paths and varying terrain. Participants should therefore have an appropriate level of fitness and mobility to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably. If you have specific access requirements, please let us know when booking and we will be happy to discuss the most suitable options.
Why don’t you offer walks on specific date?
Our guided walks are led by our ranger team, whose primary role is managing and protecting our nature reserves. As their work is influenced by seasonal demands, conservation projects and unexpected events, we are unable to guarantee specific dates far in advance.
To ensure our rangers can prioritise essential reserve management and respond to unforeseen circumstances, walks are typically scheduled 8 to 12 weeks in advance. This flexible approach allows us to continue offering guided walks while ensuring the needs of our reserves and wildlife come first.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the weather and the outdoor environment. We recommend comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear suitable for uneven ground, and a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast. During warmer weather, don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Can we take a picnic?
Yes, you're welcome to enjoy a picnic before or after your walk. Please remember to take all litter home with you.
What happens if I am late for the start of the walk?
Walks start promptly. Our Ranger has set aside time from their usual duties to act as your guide.
If you are running late, the Ranger may be able to wait for up to 15 minutes. However, this time will be deducted from the duration of your walk, reducing it to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Will the walk go ahead if it's raining?
Yes. Our walks go ahead in most weather conditions, including rain and snow, so please come prepared for the forecast.
Participant safety is our priority. If severe or potentially unsafe weather conditions are forecast, we may decide to postpone the walk. In this situation, we will contact you as soon as possible and offer an alternative date.
As weather-related postponements are beyond our control, refunds are not available. However, we will be happy to transfer your booking to another available date.
Under what circumstances will you postpone walks?
We aim to deliver all scheduled walks wherever possible. However, we may postpone a walk if circumstances arise that could affect the safety of participants or our ability to provide the experience as planned.
This may include:
- Extreme weather conditions, such as storms, high winds, flooding or severe heat.
- Emergency incidents affecting our nature reserves.
- Ranger availability being reduced due to unforeseen operational requirements or staff shortages.
- Circumstances requiring our rangers to focus on urgent conservation or site management work.
For example, during summer 2026, our rangers were involved in preventing and responding to fires across nature reserves in Staffordshire, requiring resources to be redirected at short notice.
If a walk must be postponed, we will contact you as soon as possible and arrange an alternative date.
Is it a minimum £50 donation per person?
The minimum donation for an exclusive guided walk is £300 per booking, whether one person or up to six people attend. Donations above the minimum amount are welcome, and any additional amount may be eligible for Gift Aid, helping to increase the value of your support at no extra cost to you. To ensure a personal and enjoyable experience, the maximum group size is six participants.
Can I Gift Aid my minimum donation?
No. We cannot claim Gift Aid on the minimum donation because it is a fixed amount and you receive an exclusive guided walk in return. However, if you choose to donate more than the minimum amount, the additional donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, increasing the value of your support at no extra cost to you.
Will the donation value change?
We review the minimum donation annually. If there is a substantial uplift in our costs, we will increase the value of the donation we ask for.
Will my donation be spent on my chosen reserve?
If you donate to one of our nature reserve schemes, it will be treated as an unrestricted gift. This is because the management of all nature reserves are funded by unrestricted donations which enables Trustees to have the discretion to apply funding where they can achieve the greatest charitable impact.
How long will it take for me to receive my voucher?
Your voucher will usually be emailed to you within five working days of purchase. If you have not received it after this time, please email us at fundraising@staffs-wildlife.org.uk and we will be happy to assist.
If you require your voucher sooner, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
How long is my voucher valid for?
Your voucher is valid for 18 months from the date of purchase (or longer if stated on the voucher).
As our guided walks are planned around ranger availability, we recommend booking well before the expiry date. If your voucher expires before you have booked a walk, please get in touch. While extensions cannot be guaranteed, we may be able to help in exceptional circumstances.
Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash. If your voucher is lost or damaged, we may be able to replace it if proof of purchase is available.
Has the walk been risk assessed?
Your safety is our priority. All walks are fully risk assessed, and we hold comprehensive public liability insurance. Copies of our risk assessments and insurance documentation are available on request.
Can I be refunded if I/we cannot attend?
Guided walks are offered as part of our charitable fundraising activities, with all proceeds directly supporting our conservation work. Participation in a guided walk is subject to ranger availability, reserve operations and weather conditions. A donation does not guarantee a specific walk date, which will be arranged according to operational requirements. As all proceeds support our charitable objectives, refunds are not normally available. If you are unable to attend, we will be happy to transfer your booking to an alternative date, provided you give at least 20 days' notice. This does not affect your statutory rights.