Cheltenham Bird Club

Birding in the Brenne, France by Tony Williams
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset. Sunday 17 May, 10am to all day
2026-05-17 10:00 - 17:00
Set on the Somerset levels this vast area of reedbed (part of the Avalon Marshes) is a major breeding location for Great White Egret, Bittern, Marsh Harrier and it is a great place to see Hobbies and numerous dragonfly species.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0830 to sort car sharing or meet 1000 at the venue.
Grid ref: ST448395 postcode BA6 9SX, What3Words: biggest.sharpened.clots.

RSPB Otmoor, Oxfordshire, Sunday 14 June, 9.30am to all day
2026-06-14 09:30 - 17:00
This is an excellent reserve north of Oxford where hopefully we might find Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Cranes along with lots of waterfowl, waders and warblers – maybe Hobby as well.
Meet in Shelbourne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0800 to sort car sharing or meet 0930 at the venue. SP569126, postcode OX3 9UR, What3Words:dividers.sage.bibs
There are no facilities at this venue. The car park is very small so lift sharing is advised.

Winchcombe Swift Evening, Wednesday 24 June, 7.30pm
2026-06-24 19:30 - 21:00
Following our very successful evening 2 years ago we will again be visiting Winchcombe where Brian Weller will be lead a walk and talk on the success of the Swift boxes introduced to the town. Hopefully we will see footage from his camera box.
Meet 1930 in Back Lane carpark, Winchcombe GL54 5PZ

Forest of Dean, Saturday 27 June, 7pm - after dark
2026-06-27 19:00 - 23:00
Our usual final meeting until the Autumn to try and find Nightjar, Woodcock and hopefully other species. As always the weather plays a large part in the success of this evening so fingers crossed. Meet at the Coop in Cinderford at 7pm, map reference SO658140 or postcode GL14 2AN.
Meet in Shelbourne Road, near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 6pm to share cars.
Bring a torch or use a mobile to light your way back to the cars! The nightjars are not out until about 10pm.

Winterbourne Downs, Wiltshire
2026-09-03 09:30 - 13:00
A new trip to see Stone Curlew at RSPB Winterbourne Downs, Newton Tony, Wiltshire, SP4 0HE. Grid ref: SU21440 What3 words: employ.avoiding.upward.
We are hoping to find Stone Curlew gathering together before starting their migration. However, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in our quest. Last year 3 of us had excellent views of a large number of birds. Hopefully there would still be other farmland birds to keep us occupied.
Please note there are no facilities at this site. There is a small car park so please lift share where possible. Be sure to register your interest in this trip by emailing fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com to facilitate lift sharing arrangements.
If lift sharing, meet in Shelburne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0800 to sort car sharing. With regard to shared travel, we would like to remind all members that this is undertaken at their own risk and a contribution to fuel costs is appreciated.
If making your own arrangements meet 0930 at the venue.
Bring food and drink to suit. It is not 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

Goldcliff and Newport Wetlands, South Wales.
2026-09-27
Returning to Goldcliff Lagoons, NP18 2AX grid ref: ST 370830, What3Words: newsreel.bibs.cubed followed by a visit to RSPB Newport Wetlands, NP18 2BZ
We are hoping to find a mix of our returning winter waders, plus the large number of resident species.
There are no facilities at Goldcliff Lagoons but at Newport Wetlands there is a large car park, a café serving lunches and toilet facilities. Please remember your RSPB membership card for free car parking.
Be sure to register your interest in this trip by emailing fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com to facilitate lift sharing arrangements.
Meet in Shelburne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0800 to sort car sharing or meet 0930 at the venue.

Europe's best birding by Tom Mabbett
2026-10-12 19:00 - 21:00
Naturetrek leader and local man Tom Mabbett will be speaking on the best places for birdwatching in Europe. This might be a useful talk for the planning of next year’s holidays!
Tom is an engaging speaker and good friend of Cheltenham Bird Club.
All indoor meetings are at Belmont School, Warden Hill Rd, Cheltenham GL51 3AT. Talks start at 7.15pm but we are encouraged to arrive early, have a cup of coffee and a chat.

Otmoor: the development of a haven for wildlife by David Wilding
2026-10-19 19:00 - 21:00
David Wilding, site manager at RSPB Otmoor will be talking about the development of the reserve where he has worked for over 20 years overseeing the improvements to this important site.

Grimley Lake, West Midlands Bird Club nature reserve
2026-10-24 10:00 - 12:00
A return visit to Grimley Lake, WMBC nature reserve, WR2 6LS or What3Words: jaws.flank.wink
We will spend the morning walking around the lakes looking for wildfowl and farmland birds.
Access to the reserve is from the A443 Worcester to Tenbury Wells road, follow the signs towards Grimley. Parking is on a wide grass verge opposite the minor road junction. There are no facilities at this site, however, there are various cafés on the road towards Holt.
After lunch some members may like to visit Clifton Pits, which are situated on the A38 towards Tewkesbury 10miles from Grimley. Postcode WR5 3PF What3Words: surnames.keys.boats
We will park in the large lay-by found on the left hand side of the road soon after passing through Kempsey.

Gloucestershire's Butterflies by Ken Newcombe
2026-10-26 19:00 - 21:00
Ken is Gloucestershire co-ordinator of education for Butterfly Conservation. Butterfly Conservation owns three reserves in the county – the Bill Smyllie Reserve, the Masts Reserve and Rough Bank.
Nearly 50 species of butterfly and over 1700 species of moth have been recorded in the county and we look forward to hearing about them from Ken.

The Eurasian Hobby by Richard Tyler
2026-11-02 19:00 - 21:00
We had such wonderful views of hobbies catching dragonflies at Bourton gravel pits in September 2025. This talk will tell us more about these delightful birds, dubbed the 11 o’clock bird by Tim Fretter.
Richard Tyler is a lifelong birder and photographer who lives on the Cotswolds and has studied Hobbies there for many years.
With great patience – and with help from landowners and gamekeepers – he has found many territories and nest sites.
Richard will share his detailed knowledge of this notoriously secretive species, and show his remarkable photos of Hobbies in and around their nests.

Tagging of Leach's Storm Petrels by Connie Tremlett
2026-11-09 19:00 - 21:00
Connie Tremlett will speak on the work she is doing with Mark Bolton for the RSPB. Mark Bolton is a Principal Conservation Scientist for the RSPB, renowned for his pioneering research on UK seabirds, including Leach’s Storm-petrels.
Their work has fundamentally shifted the understanding of these elusive birds through groundbreaking tracking and monitoring projects.

The Call of the Kingfisher by Nick Penny
2026-11-16 19:00 - 21:00
Nick Penny is a musician and musical instrument maker who has a passionate interest in Kingfishers. He set himself the task to walk along the river Nene near Oundle, Northamptonshire every day of the year developing an intimate knowledge of the wildlife, especially the kingfishers. His talk will be based on his book ‘The Call of the Kingfisher’. It will include sound recordings and live music.

Cotswold Water Park East, off the A417 between Fairford and Lechlade
2026-11-17 10:00 - 12:30
Our walk will start at The Lakes Hotel, GL7 3DT What3Words:messing.stolen.coast
The hotel is not signposted from the main A417. There is a very smart high curved stone wall at the entrance, then follow the sign to Bar & Kitchen and carpark.
A morning walk round a couple of the lakes to include the hide at Whelford Pools. We will hopefully find plenty of wintering wildfowl and other species. Depending on the weather we may move to another venue after lunch for those wishing to extend the day.
Be sure to register your interest in this trip by emailing fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com to facilitate lift sharing arrangements.
Meet in Shelburne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE at 0900 to sort car sharing or meet at 1000 at the venue.

Forest of Dean and Christmas meal
2026-12-06 09:30 - 14:00
This is the final walk of the year followed by the Christmas meal at The Belfry, Littledean, postcode GL14 3JS map ref SU669135,. It is a popular social event so please book early by speaking to Pam or emailing fieldtrips.cheltenhambirdclub@gmail.com
As usual meet in The Belfry car park at 9.30am before we make our way to a suitable site to hopefully find Hawfinch, Crossbill, Siskin and others.
For lift sharing meet in Shelburne Road near Dean Close School (SO929215 or postcode GL51 6HE) at 0830 to sort car sharing.
