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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

Sunday 1st November – Stanwell Moor and Staines Reservoirs

am only | 2 venues | total of 3.0 miles max walking | bring wellies if had rain (to advise closer to the day) | no WCs on site | bring refreshments | free parking

Stanwell Moor is an interesting location close to the M25 and Heathrow Airport, but despite the location has seen an extraordinary number of birds over recent years. Chance of early returning Short-eared Owls, Water Pipits, Goosander and a variety of both passerines and raptors.

Meet at 0900, parking close to the reservoirs on Hithermoor Road, Stanwell (TW19 6AT | What3Words///work.prove.leap)

For those who are keen to explore the Causeway at Staines Reservoir – currently the south basin is drained and bone dry, but the north basin though being drained still has water and is attracting a good array of waders, herons, and wildfowl. Scope not essential but would be useful – not far to carry.

Park on verge along Town Lane (B378) by entrance to path to Reservoirs (TW19 7UE; what3words///stroke.scarf.moons). Please note no WCs or facilities but McDonalds very close by (TW15 3AE; what3words///power.farms.sorry). No need for wellies here as dry pathway.

Wednesday 11th November – Dukes Warren, Leith Hill, nr Dorking

Morning only | unmade paths and some hills | max 2 miles walking | bring sturdy shoes and light refreshments | no WCs but closeby to The Plough Inn, Coldharbour | free parking

Meet at 0830 at either the Plough Inn (RH5 6HD / What3words///give.theme.demand) or at the top of the hill (opposite the pub) signposted for the cricket club (RH5 6HF; What3words///sprint.worth.empire). If you park by The Plough it is a short but relatively steep walk to the cricket club.

A fabulous walk at Surrey’s highest point with far-reaching views. An excellent area for Surrey specialities such as Crossbill, Firecrest, Marsh Tit, Brambling, Raven, winter thrushes and a variety of raptors.

Sunday 29th November – Farlington Marsh

Morning only | flat although some unmade areas | approx. 3 miles | wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for weather (we are at the Coast | no WCs or cafe – bring drink and refreshments | free parking

Meet at 0830 in the main western car park which can be reached from the eastern Portsmouth A27 roundabout (signed for the A2030). This is a tricky turning as very first left off the roundabout so make sure you are in the left hand lane at the roundabout (Sat Nav: PO3 5LY; what3words///spout.email.point)

This is a fabulous reserve and a firm favourite with the Club. The tide will be fully out when we arrive, but on its way in so expect waders on the move during the morning. With the mudflats, sea, grazing marsh, freshwater / brackish lagoons, reedbeds and and scrub / hedged areas anything can turn up so expect 50-60 species including a good variety of waders, ducks, geese, gulls and an array of passerines. Can be a good place for raptors and Bearded Tits are a speciality here.

Saturday 12th December – Holmethorpe Nature Reserve, Merstham

Morning only | unmade paths but flat | wear sturdy shoes + appropriate clothing as little shelter| no WCs nor cafe on site | bring drink and rerfreshments.

PLEASE NOTE – if there has been plenty of rain then comfortable wellies are advisable.

Meet at 09.00, parking at Aquasports, Mercers Country Park, Nutfield Marsh Road, Redhill (RH14EU; what3words///best.insist.hired). Car park opens around 08.50.

An excellent walk around this fascinating reserve which combines lakes, lagoons, streams, farmland and woodland, always superbly led by Gordan Hay and Ian Kehl.

Always lots to see with a huge variety given the number of habitats, but in recent years we have had Little Owl, Cetti’s Warbler, Red Kite, Siskin, Redpoll, Green Sandpiper and Jack Snipe. Expect to see 50-60 species of birds if conditions are good.

Leaders: Gordon Hay and Ian Kehl (for info contact Andy Harding: mob 07884 063589)

Wednesday 16th December – WWT London

Morning only | flat made paths | no more than 1.5 miles | WCs on site in various locations | excellent Visitor Centre with shop and cafe | plenty of hides | good photography opportunities

WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London (Sat Nav: SW13 9WT; what 3 words///shin.onion.metals)

Meet by the bridge at the entrance to the Visitor Centre at 10.00am (when it opens). If you are a member please bring your WWT membership card otherwise their is an admission charge of £20.90 for adults, juniors (4-17) £13.30 and 65+ £19.90 (assuming Gift Aid). Please note if you book online there is a 10% discount.

A regular venue for the Club with an excellent tally of birds over recnt years with Bearded Tit, Bittern, Cetti’s Warbler, Siskin, Stonechat and Peregrine. Expect to see a good array of waterfowl, gulls, small passerines with the chance of some raptors.

Please remember to register your car when checking in at the Centre as there are penalty payments if you don’t.

More centre info at www.wwt.org.uk/london

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