General Information about our Field Meetings
All the walks are FREE (except for travel costs, car park or entrance fees) and most trips will be for the morning only; sometimes we will 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 lead by Andy Harding (contactable on 07884 063589 & ).
Please let the trip leader or Ed Hilton (07793025503 & ) 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 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 3 or more meetings, they will be required to join the club if they want to attend any more.
Field Meetings 2024
Wednesday April 10th Dukes Warren, Leith Hill (mid-week / finish midday)
A gem of a Reserve with a combination of pine and deciduous trees, open heath and scrub (not forgetting the fabulous views). Target birds will be early warblers, Crossbill, Siskin, Woodlark, woodland birds. Meet: at the car park opposite The Plough Inn, Abinger Rd, Coldharbour, Dorking RH5 6HD at 8.00am. The actual start is at the car park at Coldharbour cricket club but is a steep ascent so only certain vehicles should attempt it (Andy will shuttle people up the very short but steep route).
Please note there are no facilities on site but there is a WC (and cafe) in The Plough.
Saturday April 20th RSPB Pulborough Brooks (half day)
A fantastic, well-managed reserve with 4 hides, visitor centre, shop, cafe and WCs.
Will be a great time to visit with the key birds being singing Nightingales, arriving warblers and a good array of raptors including Hobby, Buzzard, Peregrine and White-tailed Eagle. Breeding will be in full swing with many singing birds. A great time to visit. Meet: 8.30am by the Visitor Centre. Address is Wiggonholt, Pulborough RH20 2EL. There is also a Dawn Chorus Event organised by the RSPB starting at 4.30am which some SBC members are joining. More information at https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/61885
Please note that we can take a maximum of 24 people on this trip due to restrictions on numbers in hides. Those joining the Dawn Chorus Event will be automatically included and the other places given on a first come first basis. Let Andy or Ed know if you would like to attend via the contact details above.
Friday May 10th Thursley Common
One of the highlights of the Surrey Bird Club outings calendar. Target birds are Nightjars but with a supporting cast of Woodcock, Redstart, Cuckoo, Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, Curlew, Willow Warbler and Stonechat. Please note no facilities on site. Bring some warm clothing and a torch. We will not be back to the car park before 10pm. Meet: 7pm in The Moat Car Park, Thursley Road, nr Elstead GU8 6LW
May 17th Newlands Corner (Friday, morning)
The walk will take in the stunning views of the North & South Downs at Newlands Corner, the Norman church at the top of St Martha’s Hill & return through the ancient yews of Merrow Downs woods. Undulating terrain that can be muddy. Not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
In Spring, good for warblers, hirundines & Cuckoo. All year round the area is good for raptors, green woodpecker, bullfinch, marsh tit and firecrest. Hawfinch are also present in small numbers. Meet at 09.30 in front of the visitor centre; from Guildford take A246/A25 to Newlands Corner and use Surrey County Council car park (free parking). Café & toilet facilities available. (OS: TQ 043493, Post Code: GU4 8SE, walk length approx 5 km.)
Please note this trip will be lead by Clare Harrington , Mobile: 07903 560261.
Future Dates for the Diary, details TBC:
June 8th Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve , Kent
July 6th Papercourt Meadows
Sept 14th RSPB Pagham Harbour / Mederry
Oct 6th Beddington Farmlands
Oct 23rd Otmoor and Farmoor Reservoir
Nov 9th Oare Marshes
Dec 8th Holmethorpe Nature Reserve
Redstart, Thursley 2022 Andy Harding
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 Ed Hilton at: