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, 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 2024
Oct 6th: Beddington Farmlands
Located just close to Hackbridge railway station and in the shadow of the Viridor waste recycling centre, this very urban nature reserve demonstrates the need for the right space to be dedicated for visiting and resident birds. Genuinely anything can show but expect to see significant numbers of wildfowl, grebes and an array of gulls in various plumage. Of note could be Water Rail, Reed Bunting, Cetti’sWarbler, Caspian Gull and overwintering Chiffchaff.
NB: the site terrain is unsuitable for anyone that has mobility difficulties, and attendees must be firm and confident on their feet. There is no seating or amenities available anywhere whilst walking around the site, including at the public hides.
Attendees are limited to 20 for this trip so please let Andy know asap if you would like to come.
Meet 9am at the end of Mile Road, off Furlong Close, Hackbridge, Wallington, SM6 7HA : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WU5DusxsdRwhTWaq7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
(A short walk from Hackbridge Railway Station)
Leader: Andy Harding 07884 063589
Wednesday 23rd October: RSPB Otmoor Nature Reserve
A new venue for SBC, but has a good reputation for some excellent birds particularly as late Autumn arrives. Expect a very good variety of species with 3 species of egret and Glossy Ibis regularly reported with both Marsh and Hen Harrier seen along with an increasing number of ducks, geese and winter thrushes. Otmoor often holds impressive numbers of Lapwings and Golden Plover with the chance of Curlew, Ruff and Common Snipe. This is planned as a morning only walk, but if access can be secured then we may be able to combine with an afternoon’s visit to Farmoor Reservoir (updates on the website and via the WhatsApp Group). Paths are mostly flat but there are some kissing gates to crossover.
Often gets wet/muddy so appropriate footwear recommended. Please note here are no WCs onsite nor refreshments so bring lunch if plan to stay into the afternoon.
Keen to arrange car sharing – please contact Andy Harding who will try to arrange.
Meet at 9am at the RSPB car park at the end of Otmoor Lane. Otmoor, Otmoor Lane, Beckley, Oxford,
Oxfordshire, OX3 9TD. What3Words: dividers.sage.bibs .
Leader: Andy Harding (mob: 07884 063589)
Sunday 10th November: Oare Marshes Nature Reserve (please note date change from 9th Nov)
A fabulous reserve, located on the River Swale with a combination of tidal estuary, reedbeds and a freshwater lagoon, where an impressive list of species and actual volumes of birds can be seen via the two hides and the flat, easy-walking circular path. Expect good numbers of waders in the form of Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Redshank and Curlew with the chance of rarer waders who periodically just drop in! Marsh Harrier and Peregrine are resident, as are the Bearded Tits who show well when not so windy. Usually a good variety of ducks both on the East Flood or on the river including Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal. Shoveler and occasional Eider.
Meet at the Reserve car park (a charge) or park along the limited spaces on the lane adjacent (free) at 9am. Car sharing encouraged – contact Andy Harding to organise. Please note no WCs nor refreshments on site. Address: Church Road, Oare, Faversham, ME13 0QD. What3Words: roughness.herring.watching
Leader: Andy Harding (mob: 07884 063589)
Dec 8th Holmethorpe Nature Reserve
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.
Please note this walk is flat but does get muddy so wellies are recommended. There are no WCs nor refreshments on site.
Meet at 9am, parking on Holmethorpe Avenue, off Nutfield Road. Postcode: RH1 2PB
Leaders: Gordon Hay and Ian Kehl (for info contact Andy Harding: mob 07884 063589)
Future Dates for the Diary, details TBC:
2025 timetable pending and will be posted soon
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: or Andy Harding at