Cheltenham Bird Club

Dippers in the Stroud valleys by Mark O'Connell
2025-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Dippers are highly sensitive to changes in water acidity and pollution, and are therefore an important biomonitoring species for freshwater habitats.
The Stroud Valleys dipper project has invited local communities to monitor the Dipper population in Gloucestershire’s Stroud Valleys.
Findings from the project will be used to assess river health and provide solutions to declining populations of the species.

Spring Migration along the Adriatic Flyway by Denis Bohm
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Twice a year, millions of migratory birds use this route to fly between their wintering and breeding grounds. They stop over in Herzegovina’s breathtaking and diverse scenery that ranges from wetlands, alpine meadows with spectacular floral displays, deep canyons and crystal clear rivers.
Denis will introduce us to many of the species commonly seen in Herzegovina including Rock partridge, Sombre tit, Blue rock thrush, Red-footed falcon, Levant sparrowhawk, Eastern orphean warbler, Western rock nuthatch, Golden oriole, Nightingale and a spectacular colony of Sand martins.

50th anniversary visit to Slimbridge
2025-11-04 10:00 - 17:30 | WWT Slimbridge, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, GL2 7BT
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cheltenham Bird Club we have organised a members’ day out at Slimbridge. We will gather in the Foyer of the Wetland Centre at 10am.
There will be a talk, an opportunity to visit the Peter Scott House and a guided tour of areas of the wetland centre not usually accessible to the public. Bring your WWT membership card or you will need to pay for entrance.
Afterwards we can have an early supper at The Tudor Arms pub in nearby Shepherds Patch.
To register for this event you need to fill in the Google Form at
https://forms.gle/HL249maBY2uGjoTbA
or email Monica Gilbertson monica.gilbertson@hotmail.co.uk
Closing date Friday 24 October

Lower Moor Farm, Oaksey
2025-11-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Lower Moor Farm, Somerford Keynes Road, Oaksey, SN16 9TW
A Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Reserve with SSSI status, a number of hides overlooking the lakes with wildfowl, including Great Crested Grebe, Teal and hopefully Goosander. See Link on our Home page.
From the A419 turn right onto the B4696 towards South Cerney, straight on at the crossroads signed to Oaksey and after a further 2.5mls, the entrance to the reserve is on the left. Meet in the visitor centre carpark at 1000. The on-site Dragonfly cafe is excellent (SU007939) Postcode SN16 9TW. What3Words:outbid.zips.drags
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0900 to sort car sharing or meet 1000 at the venue.
It is very useful to know if you intend coming in case of last minute changes and to try and sort out car sharing. Please use the new email for this – fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com
On the day if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771 960210 or Pam Riggs 07769 040626

The Curlew Recovery programme by Geoff Hilton
2025-11-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Geoff says, “At present I am particularly passionate about saving Eurasian curlews: a species of great conservation importance but also personal meaning.” His background is in ornithology and the science of species recovery.
Geoff oversees the work of WWT’s Conservation Evidence department. The team provides conservation evidence to support the wetland conservation work of WWT.

Cambodia by Jill & Colin Nichols
2025-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT

Pittville Park, Cheltenham
2025-11-20 10:00 - 12:00
A return to this large park in Cheltenham with its lake, grassland, plenty of trees and hopefully a variety of birds. Meet at 10am in the car park on Albemarle Gate (opposite The Pump Room). GL50 4PH
For all meetings it is very useful to know if you intend coming in case of last minute changes and to try and sort out car sharing especially for those trips at some distance to Cheltenham. Please use the new email for this – fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com Local trips are usually ‘long’mornings. Bring food and drink to suit. None of these sites are especially hard walking but obviously inclement weather is always possible – be prepared. On the day if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771960210 or Pam Riggs 07769040626

Highland Wildlife by Roy Atkins
2025-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
This will be a Zoom talk. All members will receive the link to the Zoom meeting. Members who can are encouraged to view the talk at Belmont School.
Roy has guided holidays for Speyside Wildlife for over 20 years both in the highlands and islands of Scotland and many destinations overseas. Starting in Speyside, his talk will roam the Highlands of Scotland looking at the special birds, mammals and other wildlife of this exciting region, whether high in the mountains, in the ancient forests of Abernethy, or the wild coastline of the north west highlands – there is so much to see!

Unravelling the crisis: the complex challenges facing UK songbirds by Sue Morgan
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
This will be a Zoom talk. All members will receive the link to the Zoom meeting. Members who can are encouraged to view the talk at Belmont School.
Sue Morgan is CEO of SongBird Survival. SongBird Survival is working to change the future of songbirds by funding research into the causes of the decline, and creating solutions.
SongBird Survival is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to halting and reversing the alarming population declines of songbirds and other small birds.
SongBird Survival believes that the evidence base that informs UK policy is inadequate or lacking, and more needs to be done to identify the real drivers behind continued songbird declines.
We commission and fund high-quality scientific research to fill in these evidence gaps.

Urban Peregrines by Ed Drewitt
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT

Forest of Dean and Christmas meal
2025-12-14 09:00 - 14:00
Our usual walk and Christmas meal. As usual meet at the Belfry in Littledean before we make our way to a suitable site to hopefully find Hawfinch, Crossbill and Siskin.
Meet 0900 at the Belfry Car Park (SU669135) post code GL14 3JS
It is important to say if you intend coming so The Belfry can be informed of numbers for the meal.
Please use the new email for this – fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com None of these sites are especially hard walking but obviously inclement weather is always possible – be prepared. On the day if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771960210 or Pam Riggs 07769040626

Pars, Pistes and Birdies by Arthur Ball
2025-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Our own Bird Club member, Arthur has a reputation for giving amusing talks. This one will be light hearted anecdotes of ‘accidental’ bird watching whilst Arthur pursued other hobbies.

The talk will be followed by our usual Christmas ‘Bring and Share’ supper.

Little Owls by Gordon Kirk
2026-01-05 19:00 - 21:00

Buildings, Birds and Wildlife by Larry Aston
2026-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Laurence Aston is a Chartered Architect with over 25 years of experience of designing extensions, conversions and new builds in the Gloucester area. He is particularly interested in preserving and providing for nest sites and habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Brandon Marsh, Warwickshire
2026-01-18 10:00 - 12:30
Brandon Marsh, CV3 3 GW Map ref. SP386761, What3Words money.paused.noted
This is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve just outside Coventry that has a mixture of pools and reedbeds. See Link on the Home page. Hopefully a selection of wildfowl and winter thrushes can be expected. There is free entry for members of wildlife trusts, otherwise there is an entrance fee of £4.50 (£3.50 for concessions) There is a good on-site cafe.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 08:30 to sort car sharing, or meet 10:00 at the venue.
For all meetings it is very useful to know if you intend coming in case of last minute changes and to try and sort out car sharing especially for those trips at some distance to Cheltenham. Please use the new email for this – fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com Local trips are usually ‘long’mornings with more distant sites being all day. Bring food and drink to suit. None of these sites are especially hard walking but obviously inclement weather is always possible – be prepared. On the day if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771960210 or Pam Riggs 07769040626

Wildlife and wild places of Menorca by Chris Gibson
2026-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
This talk will be on Zoom and be shown at Belmont School or visible from your own home.

AGM & talk on 'The Dark Side of Mothing' by Nick Hayward
2026-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT

Birding in the Brenne, France by Tony Williams
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Tony will be speaking by Zoom from the Brenne in France where he has lived for many years. He has worked on reserve management for the LPO, France’s equivalent of the RSPB. He has been a tour guide for Naturetrek in East Africa and Madagascar.
Tony’s work experience includes postings in the Camargue, Mauritania and Fair Isle.

The Birds and Wildlife of Costa Rica by Steve Grimwade
2026-02-09 18:45 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
This will be a longer Zoom talk so will start at 7pm

Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Sunday 15 February, 10am
2026-02-15 10:00 - 17:00
Slimbridge Wetland Centre, GL2 7BT
Replacing the planned trip to Grimley Lakes which are too flooded to visit safely we will now visit Slimbridge Wetland Centre on Sunday 15 February meeting in the car park at 10am or in the foyer if wet. There is a charge for entrance but WWT members are free and can even get in before the opening time of 9.30am!
If you require a lift please meet at 0915 Shelbourne Road near Dean Close GL51 6HE.
Please be sure to let Pam or John know if you are planning to come especially if you have changed your mind about attending.
Email them on
fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com
or text to
John Casswell 07771 960210 or Pam Riggs 07769 040626
The Wetland Centre opens at 9.30am

Our local Warblers
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
A talk about the Warblers you’ll encounter locally. What they look like and (more importantly) sound like, where you’ll find them, and how I’ve learnt to identify them. What online resources are out there for you to use. Lots of audio, so bring your ears!

Southern Ecuador – Searching for new and endemic species in the Andes of Ecuador
2026-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Roberta Goodall’s talk is a no longer going to be longer than usual. Start 7.15pm, arrive by 7pm

Farming and Wildlife by Nicholas Watts
2026-03-02 19:00 - 21:00
Nicholas has farmed at Vine House Farm since 1964. He started recording the breeding birds on his farm in 1982. In 1992 he realised there had been a large decline of some species, this worried him so he decided to try and stop this decline and by chance Vine House Bird foods was created.
Since 1992 there has been extensive habitat creation at Vine House Farm and Nicholas has won
more awards for conservation on his farm than any other farmer in the UK. He has also received the MBE for his work.
Nicholas researches and trials conservation ideas and then shares results and advice with other farmers and conservation bodies.

Moult by John Harvey
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
This is short talk to be followed by the traditional end of season Bring and Share.

Severn Beach and Pilning wetlands, Saturday 14 March
2026-03-14
Severn Beach and Pilning wetlands, Just as you are Tea Cottage, BS35 4PQ, What3Words: suggested.relaxing.impulsive
This area with its open sea, scrub, seawalls, muddy fringes plus the newish areas of marsh and open water called Pilning Wetlands should give us some good views of seabirds, waders and raptors.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0800 to sort car sharing, or if travelling solo, meet 0900 at Michael Wood Services and we will go on from there.
We will park in Beach Road, near the Just as You are Tea Cottage Cafe, BS35 4PQ Severn Beach. What3Words: suggested.relaxing.impulsive.
Flat walking but could be muddy in the wetland area. This will be an all day meeting. No facilities in the wetland area.
For all meetings it is very useful to know if you intend coming in case of last minute changes and to try and sort out car sharing especially for those trips at some distance to Cheltenham. All contacts by email to fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com
None of these sites are especially hard walking but obviously inclement weather is always possible – be prepared.
On the day, if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771 960210 or PamRiggs 07769 040626

Keyhaven / Pennington Marshes, Sunday 22 March
2026-03-22 | Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3AT
Keyhaven / Pennington Marshes, near Lymington, Hampshire
A mini bus trip to this Hampshire Wildlife Trust reserve on the Solent. An excellent coastal site comprising coastal grazing marshes, ditches, brackish lagoons and former salt marshes important for waders and wintering birds, mudflats, reed beds and scrub. The above habitat should ensure an excellent and varied species list.
Departure is 7.30am from Belmont School, cost £25. Estimated return time 6.30pm
Names for a reserve list are required please.

Frampton, Wednesday 8 April, 0930-1200 with Splatt Bridge in the afternoon
2026-04-08 09:30 - 16:00
Frampton, meet 0930 Watery Lane car park, Map ref. SO747075 What3Words: flocking. sock.serves
Gordon Kirk will take us for about 2 hours around the lakes, and after lunch those wishing to stay can also go to Splatt Bridge if the weather and energy levels are good! There is ‘The Three Horseshoes’ pub and a cafe to be checked out for those needing sustenance before heading home.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0830 to sort car sharing. For those travelling directly to the venue, meet at 0930 at the small car park on right off Watery Lane which leads off The Green, signed for the Sailing Club. SO 747075. What 3 Words – flocking.sock.serves It is a small car park so car sharing is advised.
For all meetings it is very useful to know if you intend coming in case of last minute changes and to try and sort out car sharing especially for those trips at some distance to Cheltenham. All contacts by email to fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com
None of these sites are especially hard walking but obviously inclement weather is always possible – be prepared.
On the day, if necessary, contact either John Casswell 07771 960210 or PamRiggs 07769 040626

Cleeve Hill, Thursday 16 April, 9am
2026-04-16 09:00 - 12:00
We will return to Cleeve Hill hoping for Ring Ouzel amongst much else. Last time we saw a flock of Golden Plover. Meet at 9am at the West Down car park for a longish walk over the Hill, weather permitting. Car park map reference SP009236 or postcode GL54 5TN. What3Words:soothing.ombudsman.iterative
Note: you will (or probably will) travel up from Whittington. From the North, via Winchcombe and Brockhampton. No facilities at this venue.

Croome, Wednesday 22 April, 9.30am
2026-04-22 09:30 - 12:00
We are hoping to see Nightingales which return every year to the woodland on the edge of this National Trust property, sightings and song are not guaranteed. However, there should be plenty of other woodland birds on our walk which is on a public footpath.
From the A4104 take the turning signed to Dunstall and Kinnersley (do not follow the sign for Croome) Map reference SO890430, What3Words: seaside.eruptions.womanly
Nearest postcode WR8 9DF, park on the verge by a turning for Astons Coaches. Roadside parking also available.
National Trust members can walk through Croome Park after our morning meeting.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0830 to sort car sharing or meet 0930 at the venue.

Nagshead, Forest of Dean, Wednesday 6 May, 9am
2026-05-06 09:00 - 12:00
Nagshead RSPB in the Forest of Dean where, hopefully, we can find Flycatchers, Redstart and many other warblers and pipits.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0815 to sort car sharing, or meet 0900 at the Reserve car park. Map reference SO606084 or postcode GL15 4LA.
What3Words: parting.skid.darting
This can be a full day meeting for those wishing to go on to other areas.
