I’ve been to 18 Birdfairs spread over 25 years so far, and I will keep coming back. So why do I keep returning to Rutland Water, in Oakham, every August?
There’s so much to see and do here: the fascinating talks from bird experts, the world-class wildlife art, the hilarious celebrity quiz events and the international birding tour stands. It’s all good. But there’s one thing that makes Birdfair very special.
The people.
There are lots of different country shows across the UK which cater for all types of interests. Agricultural shows and country fairs happen up and down the country throughout the Summer, and many of them are vibrant and interesting places to be, but none of them is like Birdfair.
The company at Birdfair is, I believe, unique. The people you meet there all have one thing in common: a deep-rooted fascination for, and love of, birds. And they enjoy sharing their enthusiasm. I often meet old friends at Birdfair, but I always meet new people, too. Every year there is the possibility of striking up new and stimulating friendships based on a mutual appreciation for the wildlife that has shaped my life and career.
Whether you’ve spent the last 50 plus years (ahem…) following your birding curiosity to every corner of the UK and far-flung places around the globe, or you’ve just started feeding the birds in your garden and are interested in finding out a bit more about the lives of the blue tits and chaffinches that visit you every day, you’ll find that the people at Birdfair are your kind of people. Conversations happen easily here. Every Birdfair brings new discoveries, new knowledge, and new friends. It’s home to one of the warmest and most welcoming communities I’ve ever experienced.
I’ll be writing posts over the next few weeks with top tips for making the most of your Birdfair experience, and about some of the work that your entry ticket makes possible, but for now, one bit of advice: go to Birdfair and talk to people. Everyone there, from the people running the stands to the other visitors, has exciting information and tales that they’ll be eager to relate to you. And they’ll be eager to hear your experiences too.
I especially recommend going and chatting to some of the international visitors who’ll be coming to the UK especially for Birdfair. There will be representatives from more than 15 BirdLife International projects who will be happy to tell you all about the rare and wonderful habitats they protect, and the mind-boggling diversity of wildlife that lives there.
And, of course, you’ll find me, along with lots of my colleagues, at the RSPB stand; please do come and say hello.
So go, talk, and be merry.
Stuart Housden
The 2017 Birdfair is on 18–20 August, at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve in Oakham. For more information, and to book tickets, please visit the Birdfair website.