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. 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.
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 26th March: Dungeness Observatory and RSPB Reserve (all day)
A new venue for Surrey Bird Club as we continue to explore exciting bird-rich locations in the wider South-East.
Probably one of the most well-known bird migration locations in the UK where literally anything can turn-up around the Observatory, Trapping Area and from the shingle spit beside the power station. Black Redstart is a breeding bird, but also chance of Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, early warblers and hirundines, together with the likes of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, auks, early terns and rarer gulls through the English Channel.
In addition, the RSPB Reserve offers a unique environment of gravel pits, shingle, willow and reedbed, supplemented by the ARC pits opposite the Reserve, where a good variety of birds can be located including rare grebes, ducks and divers; reedbed specialties such as Bittern, Bearded Tit and Water Rail along with the likes of Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis and Caspian Gull.
This is a car sharing opportunity, which we should try and coordinate. Suggesting we meet either at the car park by the power station, just beyond the white lighthouse (TN29 9HB; What3Words///jugs.interval.deluded) or park up and head straight for the sea (path by the power station) where some of the group may be seawatching by the hide.
Meet time is 09.00, although suspect some will aim to get there earlier for some early seawatching.
Morning will be spent around the Observatory area with lunch in the RSPB car park (Boulderwell Farm, Dungeness Road, Romsey Marsh (TN29 9PN; What3Words///each.northward.motored).
After a walk round the Reserve we will finish “across the road” at the ARC pits where there is a hide and chance of birds coming into roost.
WCs open after 9.30am at Dungeness and on the Reserve to 5pm. Suggest bring sturdy boots as walking on shingle in the morning, and packed lunch (chance to buy food at local cafe) and hot drinks/refreshments.
Leader: Andy Harding (07884 063589 / )
Saturday 12th April: Lymington – Keyhaven Reserve, Hampshire (all day)
This truly is a magnificent place to bird, walking along the sea wall with the River Lymington / Solent to one side, Normandy Marsh Nature Reserve to the other, leading into the saltmarshes and then a walk back via woodland and farmland – and that is just the morning!
After a packed lunch taken at Keyhaven, we will visit the Milford Conservation Group managed Avon Flood Observatory and then head on a circular walk taking in the true saltmarsh of the Solent against the backdrop of Hurst Castle, passing Hampshire birding hot spots of Iley Point, Keyhaven and Fishtail Lagoons, the reedbeds of Butts Bay and then head back via the Ancient Highway, passed Efford Lake and the hedgerows to the car park.
The expectation is between 70-80 species with the potential for Avocet, Spoonbill, Great Egret, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Little Ringed Plover, Little Tern, returning warblers, Dartford Warbler amongst others.
Meet at 09.00 at the Haven Yacht Club car park, off King’s Saltern Road (drive upto the barrier and it opens) and park close to the main Clubhouse (SO41 3QD; What3Words///vaulting.sparkle.revised). WCs available both here and later in Keyhaven. Lunch at Keyhaven car park (SO41 0TP; What3Words///baguette.risk.piper).
Flat walking and firm under foot, but suggest walking boots. Total walking will be about 6 miles.
Leader: Andy Harding (07884 063589 / )
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.
Further information on the May trips to RSPB Stodmarsh and Thursley Common will be included here in late March / early April.
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 |
| Fri 23rd evening | Thursley Common |
| June: Sun 8th morning | RSPB Pulborough Brooks |
| Wed 18th evening | Chobham Common |
| July: 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