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 travelling queries, trip updates, car shares etc. Please message Andy, if you are a member, on the above number to join it.
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. Two trips have been arranged to date. If these field trips are popular more will be arranged.
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 2025
Wednesday 18th June: RSPB Farnham Heath (evening)
A gentle evening stroll around this classic Surrey heathland which has been extensively but sensitively managed by the RSPB.
The heather should start to be coming into flower and do expect some classic heathland birds to be showing including Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and, may be, Spotted Flycatcher.
Nightjar and Woodcock activity is slowing down but with luck we should hear and may see both these species as we get to dusk around 9.30pm.
Meet at 19.15/30 at the roadside /lay-by parking on Old Frensham Road (parking for about 10 cars so please car share where possible). Please do not refer to directions on the RSPB website as the car park is closed in the evening.
Please note there are no WCs or other facilities on site.
Address is Old Frensham Road, Farnham GU10 3PT (What3Words ///hello.resources.drizzly).
If you google map the location it does identify “Parking layby for RSPB Farnham Heath)
Sunday 13th July Field Trip for New Birders
(Leader Dave Kiddell) Guildford and River Wey. Meet 09:00 at the Guildford Spectrum car park (GU1 1UP https://what3words.com/fuel.closes.influencing ). Please let Dave Kiddell know that you will be coming. 07881 645322 (please note that this is not a smartphone so Dave cannot answer by text) or email him on
Full 2025 itinerary
| Month /date | Venue |
| Jan: Sun 12th am | Dukes Warren, Leith Hill |
| Sun 26th am (led by Penny Williams) | London Wetland Centre |
| Feb: Sun 9th all day | Isle of Sheppey |
| Tues 18th all day | Abberton Reservoir |
| Mar: Sun 16th am | Hayling Island (subject to pathway repairs completed) |
| Wed 26th all day | RSPB Dungeness |
| Apr: Sat 12th all day | Lymington – Keyhaven |
| Wed 30th am (max 15 members) | Beddington Farmlands |
| May: Sat 10th all day (led by Dave Smith) | RSPB Stodmarsh |
| Sun 18th morning | Ashtead Common (Field Trip for New Birders) |
| Fri 23rd evening | Thursley Common |
| June: Sun 8th morning | RSPB Pulborough Brooks |
| Wed 18th evening | RSPB Farnham Heath |
| July: Sun 13th morning | Guildford and R. Wey (Field Trip for New Birders) |
| Wed 16th evening | Langley Vale |
| Aug: Sat 23rd am | Ringing Demo, Queen Mary Reservoir |
| Sept: Sun 14th all day | Pagham Harbour / Medmerry |
| Oct: Wed 8th am (date to be changed) | Surrey Hills |
| Sun 26th am | RSPB Cliffe Pools |
| Nov: Sun 16th am | Farlington Marshes |
| Wed 26th am | Richmond Park |
| Dec: Sun 14th am | London Wetlands Centre |
The Surrey Bird Club hereby gives notice that all arrangements made by the Club for any person taking part in any meeting, visit or other activity are made by the Club as agents for that person and that consequently the Club accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience arising from his or her participation in Club activities. Passengers accept lifts in private cars at their own risk.
Here is some feedback from one of 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”
For all enquiries email Andy Harding at