In one month's time tens of thousands of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be flocking to Birdfair, the largest gathering of nature and bird enthusiasts in the world. It is also a meeting place for many wildlife focussed NGOs and all of the outdoor and nature associated industries – from optics and cameras, to wildlife artists, tour companies and clothing. This is truly the place to be in mid August!
The event also showcases some entertaining and informative talks, telling stories from trips to far flung destinations, revealing insights from scientific studies into bird behaviour or conservation status, and bringing you up to date on conservation projects. In short there is something for everyone, which is why Birdfair goes from strength to strength. And the overall organisation is dependent on a great group of volunteers – well done!
The RSPB is a co-sponsor of Birdfair, and this year we will have a major stand in Marquee 2. Several RSPB projects will be featured in the talks programme – I am particularly looking forward to Jane Sears talk on beaver reintroduction on Sunday at 3pm in Lecture Marquee 3.
From our stand we will be promoting our investigations work – asking for help from birdwatchers in combating wildlife crime. The RSPB’s 220 nature reserves, which now extend to some 155,000Ha (c400,000 acres) are also part of our offering and we will be telling some special stories and conservation successes from many of these wonderful places. We are naturally very proud of our reserves – and as the first little gulls breeding in Britain, at Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire, show, they are very popular with birds and other wildlife too!
RSPB members can get discounted tickets on the Sunday but we really urge you to come along and meet our staff, and enjoy Birdfair on whatever day suits you.
All proceeds from Birdfair go to support a Birdlife International approved conservation project. Your participation and support will fund much needed action along flyways and tackle the big conservation challenges of the day.
This year The Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB and Birdlife have chosen Madagascar’s Tsitongambarika Forest to be the recipient of the funds. Birdfair is also raising money for the next generation of conservationists: this year it will be supporting students in Africa. Read more about these important causes.
Lastly, Birdfair continues to be great fun, and part of that fun is the RSPB Birders lecture held at 6pm on Friday 19 August in the Events Marquee.
This year our speakers are top-flight international birders Yoav Perlman, Keith Clarkson and Paul French with Adam Rowlands chairing, and as the host on the evening I will be pleased to welcome you along. But space is limited – so make sure to arrive early.
From all of us at the RSPB we look forward to meeting you and engaging with you at this year’s Birdfair. See you on 19, 20 and 21 August!