I am confident you will want enjoy every bit of Birdfair, and will want to participate in the many discussions, and see what the many wildlife organisations who attend have to say about the state of nature in the UK. Firstly the RSPB will be there in strength and staff from across the organisation will be manning our stand in Marquee 2 and our Wildlife Explorers stand for families in the Outdoor Tents area.
If you have a question, want to know more about our work at home or overseas, or simply want to find out about visiting our wide network of nature reserves, don’t hesitate to ask.
This year Birdfair is held in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. This will have major ramifications for the protection of birds, wildlife generally and of course the sites and habitats across the UK which are so critical for the future of all nature. This key topic reminds us how important all supporters of wildlife organisations are in campaigning to protect nature from the consequences of these upheavals.
Campaigns to win the necessary safeguards and statutory protections needed as we Brexit are being discussed. Expect more news at Birdfair, and your support will be needed even more in the future. Birders and all concerned for nature must collectively step up to the plate in the months ahead. The best way to achieve that is through a strong set of wildlife organisations, backed by a growing membership.
Turning to the talks programme, our programme (with Birdlife) to protect Albatrosses will be showcased in Lecture Marquee 1 on Saturday 20 August at 4pm. We have good news from the front line in the Southern Oceans to report - but many challenges for the worlds albatrosses remain. Do come and hear Stephanie Winnard show what the RSPB, and our partners, are doing in these most testing of environments. I can also recommend nature photographer Neil Aldridge, who gave a fascinating and well received talk at the RSPB members conference in April - his advice is not to be missed (Lecture Marquee 3 at 09.30am on Saturday 20th August).
Keep your eye open for some of the celebrities who are regulars at the Birdfair too. Simon King, Chris Packham, Bill Oddie, Mike Dilger and others are giving talks, signing books and chatting to visitors. My old friend Mark Avery is also on hand, and I look forward to appearing with him on Friday at 4.45pm to discuss grouse moors and the future for our hen harriers.
Lastly another part of Birdfair that always fascinates is the Art Marquee. Art has been inspired by nature since the dawn of time, and in turn it can inspire people to love nature today. The quality of the art on offer is simply astonishing and this must be the biggest showcase for wildlife related art on display at any one place in the UK. Certainly I find it hard to keep my wallet in my pocket as I walk past some of my favourite artists; do check out Chris Rose, Bruce Pearson, John Threlfall and Darren Woodhead to name just a few.
So do come, buy your tickets here and remember RSPB members get discounted tickets on the Sunday. I look forward to seeing many of you over the weekend of 19-21 August at Rutland Water.