As we are linked with the local RSPB, they have offered FoSB places at cost on their forthcoming trips to bird sanctuaries and hides. Details follow, please contact John Young direct if you are interested. In all cases: Please wear stout shoes and bring your own packed lunch.

Sunday 26^th June 2016 – College Lakes. Tring. Berks, Bucks & Oxford WT.: 

.College Lake is widely regarded as one of the best places in Buckinghamshire for water birds, and with many hides overlooking the lake, this is a great destination for bird watchers or for families, whatever the weather or time of year. This site offers a Cafe, Hides, Toliets and a Visitor centre

Elsewhere on the reserve, chalk grassland is alive with colour during the spring and summer as a wide variety of flowers come into bloom. These support a range of insects, including a number of rarer butterfly species such as the small blue. Rough grassland provides a home for breeding skylarks, as well as shelter for small mammals, which in turn feed birds of prey such as kestrels and barn owls.

Woodland, scrub and hedgerows are widespread across the reserve, and support a wide variety of wildlife, including finches and tits and in winter. thrushes such as fieldfare and redwings

Pick up details: Southlands Hospital –Shops. (Upper Shoreham Road.)

Time; Depart Southlands at 08.00am. Depart College Lakes @ 16.00pm.

Cost: £21 (in advance)

Sunday 25^th September 2016.  Arne RSPB Nature reserve. Dorset.

This site is rich in wildlife with the possibility of 6 species of reptile, Raft Spiders, Dartford warbler, Sea birds and waders. It is also excellent for plants such as Gorse and Heather and predatory insects such as Dragonflies and Green Tiger beetle. It comprises of Coastal Habitat. Deciduous Woodland, and open Heathland. This site offers Toilets & Hides and by the time we visit there should be a New Shop and T-Room!!

Pick up details: Southlands Hospital –Shops. (Upper Shoreham Road.)

Time; Depart Southlands at 08.00am. Depart Arne @ 16.00pm.

Cost: £22 (in advance)

Sunday 23rd October 2016. – Fingrinhoe Wick. Essex WT.

A wide range of habitats are on view here, including grassland, heathland and ponds.Great for…birdwatching, butterflies, fungi, lichens and mosses, overwintering birds, reptiles, stunning views and wildflowers On our last visit we encountered 700 Avocet and is good for other waders, Winter Thrushes, Ducks and geese. There is also a possibility of Hen Harrier and Twite. This site has a Visitor Centre and Toilets.

Pick up details:Southlands Hospital –Shops. (Upper Shoreham Road.)

Time; Depart Southlands at 08.00am. Depart Fingrinhoe Wick @ 16.00pm.

Cost: £25 (in advance) which includes an entry donation

Sunday 27th November 2016. – Andover Hawk Conservancy.

Our mission is the conservation of birds of prey.

We are a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey.

Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller’s Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in our spectacular daily flying demonstrations, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects.

We have a bird of prey hospital that treats approximately 200 birds of prey each year; hides to view wild birds in our wildflower meadow; a twice daily Heron and Red Kite feed; and a Vulture Restaurant and keeper’s talk.

Pick up details: Southlands Hospital –Shops. (Upper Shoreham Road.)

Time; Depart Southlands at 08.00am. Depart Andover @ 16.00pm.

Cost: £34 (in advance) including entry 

Please confirm your place in writing enclosing a  cheque made  payable to Brighton and District RSPB Local Group and send to John Young, 7 The Crescent, Southwick, Sussex, BN42 4LB.