SOS Field Trips 2026
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.
We now need you to book onto our Field Trips, please – this is easily done by emailing Helen Griffiths, Field Trip Co-ordinator, at
fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk
with your name and mobile number, to let us know that you are coming. We hope you can join us!
Field Trip details are subject to change (and possible additions), so please keep checking the SOS website www.shropshirebirds.com or the SOS Facebook page for the latest info. Announcments on the web will be on the homepage (under “Breaking News”). This section will carry a notice only if the details of the trip have changed – no announcement means no change!
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 our trips.
Sunday, 14 December, 2025: COLEMERE & WOOD LANE, North Shropshire (Full day) (Joint visit with RSPB Shrewsbury Group) – Leader: Ian Baggley (07833 647109)
- A winter visit to a large mere surrounded by woodland, and to restored quarry workings with pools and grassland, looking for water birds, wildfowl and wintering thrushes.
- Colemere is three miles south-east of Ellesmere, signposted from the A528 and A495, with Wood Lane just to the west of the mere.
- Meet at 9.30am in Colemere car park.
- Grid Ref: SJ43732
- w3w: whirlpool.smoke.tenders
Sunday, 4 January, 2026
Venus Pool, Shropshire
Leader: John Martin
(07443 544962)
Half Day
Shropshire Ornithological Society nature reserve, a mile and a half south of Cross Houses, just off the A458. A morning walk on our reserve, looking for winter and wetland birds.
Turn off the A458 into the lane signposted Acton Burnell and Pitchford. The reserve entrance and car park are on the left after about half a mile.
Meet at 9.30am in the reserve car park:
Grid.Ref: SJ547061
w3w: seagulls.stuffy.socialite
Postcode for SatNav: SY5 6JT
Sunday, 15 March, 2026
Bury Ditches, South Shropshire
Leader: Dave Pearce
(07791 180488)
Half Day
A well-preserved Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views, and surrounding woodland, midway between Lydbury North and Clun. A visit for early breeding birds, early migrants, and a chance of displaying raptors
Access is via the B4368 (turn north in Clunton – car park approx. a mile and a half on your left) or via the B4385 (turn south through Brockton – car park approx. a mile and a half on your right).
Meet at 10am in Bury Ditches car park:
Grid Ref: SO333839
w3w: fantastic.voted.drummers
Postcode for SatNav: SY7 8BD
Sunday, 26 April, 2026
Minsterley Meadows & Poles Coppice, Shropshire
Leader: Peter Carty (07824 514564)
Half Day
“Orchids & Bird Song”: A visit to two nationally-important flower-rich meadows, now community-owned, with many flowering plants typical of traditional hay fields, including an amazing display of green-winged orchids. Then, a short walk to nearby deciduous woodland for plenty of resident and summer-migrant birds.
Meet at 10am in Minsterley Parish Hall car park, in Minsterley village, next to the A488:
Grid Ref: SJ375048
w3w: marketing.eggshell.opposites
Postcode: SY5 0EH
Sunday, 10 May, 2026
Marteg Valley/Gilfach Farm, Radnorshire
(Joint visit with RSPB Shrewsbury)
Leader: Helen J Griffiths
(07800 880445)
Full Day
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust reserve three miles north of Rhayader, just off the A470. Looking and listening for spring migrants and more, in a Radnorshire valley so far largely unspoilt by human activity.
Turn off the A470 at the large bend at Pont Marteg (Marteg Bridge), and cross the cattle grid into the reserve. Parking is on the right just beyond the reserve entrance.
Meet at 10am in the reserve car park
Grid Ref: SN952715
w3w: exclusive.aspect.science
Post code: LD6 5LF
Sunday, 31 May, 2026
Ynys Hir RSPB, Ceredigion
(Joint visit with RSPB Shrewsbury)
Leaders: Mim & Jock Elliot-Smith
(Mim 07507 745497)
Full Day
RSPB reserve on the south side of the Dyfi estuary, just off the A487 between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth. A visit for summer migrants, coastal and woodland birds and more (maybe even a sighting of the Cors Dyfi ospreys!)
Turn off the A487 in the village of Eglwys-fach and drive about a mile to the car park.
Meet at 10am in Ynys Hir car park
Grid Ref: SN682961
w3w: ranches.rags.link
Post code: SY20 8TA
Sunday, August 6, 2026
Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB , Cheshire
(Joint visit with RSPB Shrewsbury Group)
Leader: To be confirmed nearer the time
RSPB reserve on the Dee estuary, with hides and a mosaic of wetland habitats, including pools, scrapes and reedbeds. A visit to look for waders, waterbirds and summer migrants; anything may turn-up at this time of year!
Travel towards The Wirral and onto the A540 towards Ness and Parkgate. Just after the Two Mills crossroads (A540 and A550) take the first left turn into Puddington Lane; reserve is signposted before you get to Burton village
Meet at 9.30am in the reserve car park
Grid Ref: SJ314735
w3w: desktop.unfounded.lipstick
Post code: CH64 5SF
Helen J. Griffiths
07800 880445
fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk
