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.
Field Meetings 2025
Wednesday 30th April: Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve
A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT – FULLY BOOKED
Please note there is the intention to organise another visit in the Autumn so please let Andy know if you wish to go on either the reserve list for the 30th April morning visit or for the further visit, with dates to be confirmed but likely mid-week.
Saturday 10th May (am only) : Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve
Distance: 3miles (approx). Flat terrain.
A regular favourite on the Surrey Bird Club outings itinerary as is an excellent Reserve, especially during early Summer.
The Reserve has internationally-important reedbeds, fens, ditches, wet grassland, open water and wooded copses which attract an extensive list of wildlife (not only birds but otters, water voles and beavers!).
We should see a good number of raptors, warblers, herons, egrets along with speciality birds such as Bearded Tit, Bittern, Hobby, Cuckoo and potentially Turtle Dove.
There is the opportunity to stay for the afternoon and take in the north-eastern side of the Reserve from Grove Ferry (though not part of the official trip).
Dave Smith will be leading the outing but please contact Andy Harding via email or the WhatsApp Group to confirm you can attend.
Meet at the Stodmarsh car park (there are WCs) at 08.30am for a prompt start, Car Park at east of Stodmarsh Village, located at the end of Lambkin Wall between the Red Lion pub and St Mary’s Church (CT3 4BB; What3Words///resemble.scaffold.strategy).
Please bring refreshments, appropriate clothing and sturdy walking footwear.
Sunday 18th May Field Trip for New Birders Ashtead Common (leader Dave Kiddell)
Meet 09:00 on the Common by the Ashtead Station level crossing (KT21 2DR https://what3words.com/loves.alone.bother). 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 .
Friday 23rd May (evening to dusk): Thursley Common
Distance: max 3 miles
One of the highlights of the birding calendar is a visit to the amazing landscape and environment at this classic Surrey heath, to take in a variety of heathland birds.
The main target is the enigmatic Nightjar, which should announce it’s presence with the characteristic churring from the woods and heath. In addition we will be seeking other species including Dartford and Willow Warbler, Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Cuckoo and potentially Curlew and Hobby.
Meet at The Moat car park at 19.00 to get onto the Common by 19.15. Please bring appropriate clothing as can get chilly as we get to dusk, sturdy shoes, drinks and something to eat, insect repellent and a torch.
Please note that we will not be getting back to the car park until after dark.
Location: Thursley Road, south of Elstead, GU8 6LW (What3Words///outhouse.fragment.concerts)
Please contact Andy Harding to confirm your attendance (07884 063589 / )
Further information on trips into June and July will be here later this month.
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 | Chobham Common |
| July: Sun 6th 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: Sun 26th am | Cliffe Pools |
| Wed 8th am | Surrey Hills (venue to be confirmed) |
| 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