Field Trip Programme


IMPORTANT. The field trips shown on this page will be the last excursions organised by SOS unless we can appoint a new Fieldtrip Co-ordinator. This person puts together the trip programme, choosing locations and setting up leaders. There is no necessity for the Co-ordinator to lead any trips (although that is not excluded). Do you want SOS to continue to offer trips to interesting sites with knowledgeable leaders and friendly fellow birders? If so, please consider taking on this vacant position. Contact Sue Brealey (fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk or at the telephone numbers shown below).


Please can all those proposing to come on the excursions follow the guidelines which have been sent to members in the past and which are available on this website here.

Field Excursions 2024

All members are invited to these trips, which are friendly and open to beginners and experts alike. Help to identify and learn about the birds seen will be given by the group. Meet at the location given, no later than the time stated. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE HOMEPAGE (UNDER “BREAKING NEWS”) TO ENSURE THE TRIP IS GOING AHEAD. THIS SECTION WILL CARRY A NOTICE ONLY IF DETAILS OF THE FIELDTRIP ARE CHANGED – NO ANNOUNCEMENT MEANS NO CHANGE!

ANYONE PLANNING TO GO ON THESE TRIPS SHOULD INFORM THE LEADER/ORGANISER OF THE FIELD TRIP SO THAT PARTICIPANT NUMBERS ARE KNOWN IN ADVANCE (see phone numbers below).

As always, if car sharing can be organised, this will be helpful both from a carbon emissions point of view and because parking space is often restricted at the fieldtrip location. Remember that at some locations, amenities may not be available. All directions are suggestions only.

Please note that dogs are not allowed on any of these trips.

Sunday, March 17 – SOWDLEY WOOD / CLUNTON COPPICE, South Shropshire SY7 0QH (Half Day)  Dave Pearce (07791 180488)

  • Approx a mile south of Clunton.  Turn off the B4368 in Clunton and cross the bridge over the River Clun, drive up the lane and park in Clunton Coppice car park (on your right).
  • A visit for early breeding birds, early migrants, and a chance of displaying raptors.
  • Meet at 10am in the Sowdley Wood/Clunton Coppice car park
  • Grid Ref:  SO338807    w3w: pheasants.dinner.congas

Sunday, 28 April –  Ian Baggley & Helen J Griffiths – MARTEG VALLEY / GILFACH FARM, Radnorshire (Full Day) – (Helen 07800 880445)

  • With RSPB Shrewsbury Group) Post code: LD6 5LF
  • Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve three miles north of Rhayader, just off the A470.  Turn off the A470 at the large bend at Pont Marteg (the road bridge over the River Marteg), and cross the cattle grid into the reserve.  Parking is on the right just inside the reserve.
  • Looking and listening for spring migrants and more, in a Radnorshire valley so far largely unspoilt by human activity.
  • Meet at 10 am in the reserve car park.
  • Grid Ref:  SN952715    w3w:  exclusive.aspect.science

Tuesday, April 30 –  VENUS POOL, Shropshire (Half Day) – John Martin (07443 544962)

  • NOTE – SCHEDULE CHANGE – This fieldtrip was orginally scheduled for Sunday, May 5th.
  • Shropshire Ornithological Society Reserve, a mile and a half south of Cross Houses.  Take lane off A458 signposted Acton Burnell and Pitchford.  Reserve entrance and carpark on the left, after about half a mile.
  • For an “early bird” morning walk on our reserve, to look and listen for summer migrants.
  • Meet at 7am in the reserve car park.
  • Grid ref: SJ547061        w3w: seagulls.stuffy.socialite

Sunday, May 19 –  YNYS HIR, Ceredigion (Full Day) – Mim & Jock Elliot-Smith (Mim 07507 745497)

  • RSPB Reserve on the Dyfi estuary, four miles south of Machynlleth.  Take A487 from Machynlleth towards Aberystwyth, turning right just after Glandyfi.  About one mile to the car park.  Post code:  SY20 8TA
  • For summer migrants, coastal and woodland birds, and more.
  • Meet at 10 am in the reserve car park.
  • Grid ref: SN682961           w3w: ranches.rags.link

Sunday, June 2 –  WYRE FOREST, Shropshire/Worcestershire DY12 3AF (Half Day) – Phil Constable (07948 472607) & Carol Wood (07807 068304)

  • A gentle walk in woodland on the Shropshire/Worcestershire border near Bewdley.
  • For summer migrant birds, and for butterflies (with a chance of pearl-bordered and small pearl-bordered fritillaries).
  • Meet at 10am in Hawksbatch car park, between Buttonoak and Bewdley on the B4194; 400 metres past the end of the 40mph restriction.
  • Grid Ref:  SO761776                w3w: enigma.cornering.pothole

Sunday, 29 September – LEIGHTON MOSS, Lancashire (Full Day) – Ian Baggley & Estelle Hughes (Estelle 07817 243693)

  • RSPB wetland reserve c 2 miles north of Carnforth.  Take M6 north, turning off at Junction 35 (Carnforth), then follow A6 north towards Milnthorpe, looking out for the brown tourist signs to the reserve.  Post code: LA5 0SW
  • Wetland and water birds of extensive reedbeds, marshes, and saltwater lagoons.
  • Meet at 10am in the reserve car park.
  • Grid Ref:  SD477750                w3w:  trespass.orange.crumble

Sunday, 24 November – NORTH WALES COAST (Full Day) – Ian Baggley & Estelle Hughes (Estelle 07817 243693)

  • Take A55 North Wales coast road west towards Ynys Mon.  After passing through the Penmaenmawr road tunnel, exit at Junction 15 into Llanfairfechan, meeting at the seafront car park.  Post code:  LL33 0BY
  • A day’s winter birding on the North Wales coast, between Conwy and Bangor.
  • Meet at 10am in the seafront car park in Llanfairfechan
  • Grid Ref:  SH680753                w3w:  reserving.homecare.enter

There are no field excursions planned after November 2024. Why? Because no-one has come forward to act as Fieldtrip Co-ordinator. If you wish to continue taking part in events of this type, please see the notice in red at top of this page and contact any member of the management committee for further information and/or to volunteer. SOS can offer these invaluable sessions only if someone is willing to give a few hours to setting them up. Give back to your Society – volunteer now.

Email: fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk

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Page updated: 14/03/2023