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General Information about our Field Meetings

All the walks are FREE (except for travel costs, car park or entrance fees) and where trips are stated as morning only, sometimes we may run over a little so it is always a good idea to bring something to eat and drink. Unless otherwise stated, all trips will be led by Andy Harding (contactable on 07884 063589 or ).

Please let the trip leader or Andy know if you are coming to a meeting so we have an idea of numbers and we can then let you know if the trip has to be cancelled at short notice e.g. because of a severe weather warning. We have a Surrey Bird Club Field Trips Whatsapp Group and members are encouraged to join this group to help with travel queries, trip updates, car shares etc. Please message Andy, if you are a member, on the above number to join the WhatsApp Group.

Dave Kiddell is leading some field trips aimed at people who are new birdwatchers and may have been put off joining one of our walks because of their lack of knowledge or identification skills. As well as hopefully seeing some less common birds Dave will help you identify some of the more common species such as separating Crows from Jackdaws and both from Wood Pigeon in flight. Another example is helping you tell your Coots from your Moorhens. Because of this, each walk will be a little slower than our usual walks and last approx. 2 hours. These walks are called “Field Trips for New Birders” and are shown in italics to distinguish them.

Surrey Bird Club is committed to sustainable birding and encourages people to car share and use public transport where practical. Please let Andy know if you want to arrange a lift or use the Whatsapp group to arrange with others.

Children are welcome on trips but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Non-members are welcome to attend but priority will be given to members if spaces are limited. Also, if a non-member attends 2 or more meetings, they will be strongly encouraged to join the club if they want to attend any more meetings.

Please note dogs are not permitted on these trips.

Field Meetings 2026

Wednesday 27th May: Nightjar Evening: Blackheath Common, Wonersh

Meet 19.00hrs | Finish at 21.30/45 | 1.5 miles | wear sturdy shoes | no WCs on site | free car parking | bring appropriate clothes as will get cold at dusk | bring refreshments / hot drink

A new venue for the Club but has a good reputation for some of the classic Surrey heathland birds including Dartford Warbler, Redstart, Hobby, Cuckoo, Woodcock and Hobby.

We will be walking on well-defined paths but sandy and uneven under foot. Please note that it is likely that the Nightjars will not start churring until 21.00hrs (we will be 5 mins from the car park at the final stop).

Meet at the car park at east end of Blackheath Lane (GU4 8RB What3Words///shun.balconies.spindles). Nearest railway station Chilworth (trains to Guildford and Dorking) – 23 min walk or arrange pick-up from the Group.

Friday 12th June: Knepp Estate

Meet 0830 | am only | 2.5 miles | wear sturdy shoes | flat, defined paths | bring refreshments | cafe / restaurant + WCs on site | parking charge of £5.00 (Ringo)

Now famous rewilding project and estate where the success of breeding White Storks, Nightingales and Turtle Doves is well-documented. Aim is to find all three along with the likes of Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellowhammer and potentially Spotted Flycatcher.

We will be meeting in the Walkers Car Park which is well signposted off the A24 (look for Knepp Wilding Kitchen & Shop signs) but please note the car park is closed (gated) until 07.20hrs despite stating that it opens at 07.00hrs (RH13 8NQ; What3Words///hydration.shining.pages)

Full Field Meeting Itinerary 2026

*please note the dates for the Global Bird Fair is for information only. There is no Group outing planned for this event, but is well recommended with tickets available from early 2026 from www.globalbirdfair.org.

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Here is some feedback from our trips:

“we learnt such a lot but also everyone was so friendly & we had some lovely chats, sharing suggestions of places to visit, stories of bird related holidays & even book recommendations.  We would love to join the Club”

“Thoroughly enjoyed today…never seen so many lapwing in my life!!!Great company too😊Thankyou Andy and all you helpful experts🤗“

For all enquiries email Andy Harding at