Field Trips

This year's BCBW has 16 FREE TO ATTEND* guided walks taking place at locations across the length and breadth of the county. What's more, you don't even need to be a member as everyone is welcome, young and not so young! Details of all of the walks can be found here, including start times and postcodes for parking. Put the dates in your diary, grab some binoculars, and come and join us for what's going to be an excellent weekend of local birding.

*Please note that parking charges will apply at some locations, and there may be entrance fees at some of the EWT and RSPB sites for non-members of those organisations.

This 326-hectare SSSI and Ramsar site is unique wet heathland habitat where Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Woodlark, Nightjar, Hobby, and many other summer migrants can be found. It’s also home to over 20-species of dragonflies and damselflies, plus orchid, butterflies and other rare plants. No facilities on site. THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM CHELMSFORD AT 07:30 WITH SHENFIELD (07:45) & GRAYS (08:00) PICK-UPS AS REQUIRED

3 SPACES LEFT - please email info.ebws@gmail.com for booking information

This South Coast reserve is an SPA, SSSI, and a fascinating mosaic of habitats of shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, river, pits, grazing marsh and reedbeds. Now with an excellent centre and hides where Mediterranean Gull, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Terns, and summer migrants are all possibilities. SHENFIELD (07:45) & GRAYS (08:00) PICK-UPS AS REQUIRED

6 SPACES - PLEASE EMAIL info.ebws@gmail.com TO BOOK

Located on the edge of The Broads, this reserve comprises over 400 hectares of pristine habitat for Bearded Reedling, Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Common Crane, Snipe, and many other breeding waders. The trails and selection of hides, plus a superb centre with amazing views make this early spring destination a must. THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM CHELMSFORD AT 07:30 WITH STANWAY (07:50) PICK-UP AS REQUIRED

FULLY BOOKED - PLEASE EMAIL info.ebws@gmail.com TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE OF CANCELLATIONS

Situated in the heart of the North Norfolk Coast with a smart visitor centre, at this time of the year Holkham is home to thousands of Pink-footed Geese, Marsh Harrier, Shore Lark, and skies filled with winter waders and wildfowl. Plus, there is always the possibility of a rarity turning up. CHELMSFORD PICK-UP ONLY

A SSSI, SPA and Ramsar site, this 210-hectare wetland reserve is a unique haven for overwintering wildfowl, waders, and winter migrants, all within sight of Central London. This site is inside the ultra-low emission zone, which is chargeable for non-compliant vehicles. But it is just a ten-minute walk from Blackhorse Road or Tottenham Hale Victoria Line underground stations, so it's easy and relaxing to travel there by public transport. MEET AT THE CENTRE CAR PARK (N17 9NH) FOR AN 09:45 START. CAR PARK OPENS AT 09:30, PARKING CHARGES APPLY BUT ENTRANCE TO THE RESERVE IS FREE

A visit to this superb site on the north shore of the River Thames, which in winter is excellent for gulls, raptors, wildfowl and waders in large numbers. No facilities on site. MEET AT THE COALHOUSE FORT CAR PARK (RM18 8PB) FOR A 09:00 START

A visit to this superb reserve on the north side of the Wash which in winter is excellent for raptors, waders, waterfowl, and possible rarities. It also boasts a very good cafe for refreshments and food. CHELMSFORD PICK-UP ONLY

The Dengie area of Essex is known for its remoteness and solitude, with vast numbers of waders that feed on the mudflats and roost along the Cockle Shell bank. Also, Merlin, Hen Harrier and farmland species including Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, and Linnet can be found amongst the scrub and bushes. Toilets at the Othona. MEET IN THE CHAPEL OF ST PETER-ON-THE-WALL CAR PARK (CM0 7PN) FOR AN 09:00 START

For this month's guided field trip by coach, we planned to visit Oare Marshes in Kent. However, due to the dry summer we've experienced this year, the water levels at the site are very low which means that many of the birds we'd expect to see are unlikely to be present. Therefore, in a change from the previously published schedule, we will now be visiting the superb reserve at RSPB Dungeness.

We'll start with a morning seawatch, where species such as Sooty, Manx & Balearic Shearwater, Razorbill, Guillemot, Arctic, Pomarine & Long-tailed Skua and Little Tern have all been seen recently. We'll then move on to the main reserve where recent sightings include Glossy Ibis, Red-backed Shrike, Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Whinchat and Cattle Egret.  THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM CHELMSFORD AT 07:30 WITH SHENFIELD (07:45) and GRAYS (08:00) PICK-UPS AS REQUIRED

BOOK SOON, JUST 8 SPACES LEFT!

This remote large shingle expanse with unique vegetation and flooded gravel pits attracts Yellow Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover, Spotted Redshank, Marsh Harrier, Cetti’s Warbler, Bearded Reedling, Whimbrel, Sparrowhawk and Wheatear, plus many summer visitors along with the occasional rarity like Hoopoe or Wryneck. THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM CHELMSFORD AT 07:30 WITH SHENFIELD & GRAYS PICK-UPS AS REQUIRED - FULLY BOOKED, PLEASE CONTACT GERRY TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE OF CANCELLATIONS

The Lodge is not only the administration HQ for the RSPB, it's also the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire, containing a sand quarry, hilly woodland and acid grassland. It's home for iconic species such as Sand Martin, Raven, Hobby, and many woodland species. Not forgetting Natterjack Toads, along with other amphibians, rare minibeasts and the flora. £2 per person entrance fee. THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM CHELMSFORD ONLY AT 07:30 - FOUR PLACES AVAILABLE

Two quite different sites where we'll be looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit and Woodlark at Santon Downham; then Hawfinch, Firecrest, Brambling and Crossbill at Lynford Arboretum, along with any early summer migrants. 

A return to this bird-filled reserve on the river Thames where the varied habitats will offer the chance to see a large selection of waders, gulls, raptors, owls, and winter migrants. This popular reserve has its share of rarities which can turn up any time. Refreshments and a selection of food is served in the Centre. THIS IS A SELF-DRIVE TRIP AND ALL ARE WELCOME - MEET IN THE RESERVE CAR PARK (RM19 1SZ) FOR A 09:30 START (please note that from 8th January car park charges for non-RSPB members are applicable. If you are an RSPB member, please bring your membership card to display in your car window).

As many of you are aware, the RSPB has been making a number of cutbacks and changes on many of their reserves. It's likely that when we visit Rainham Marshes on the 12th the cafe and shop will have been closed down, although toilet facilities will still be available. Therefore, we recommend that you bring sufficient food and drink with you for the day.